Kerala Receives PM-SHRI School Funds Post-MoU, Boosting Education Initiative
The central government released funds for PM-SHRI schools in Kerala after the state signed an MoU, highlighting the scheme's implementation.
Photo by Nakkeeran Raveendran
The central government has released funds for the PM-SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme to Kerala, but only after the state signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Education Ministry. This detail emerged from answers given in the Lok Sabha.
The PM-SHRI scheme aims to upgrade existing schools into model schools that will deliver quality education and nurture all-round development of students. Essentially, this news underscores the Centre's push for states to formally adopt national education initiatives to receive funding, ensuring a standardized approach to educational reforms.
Key Facts
Central government released funds for PM-SHRI schools in Kerala.
Funds were released after Kerala signed an MoU with the Union Education Ministry.
PM-SHRI scheme aims to upgrade existing schools into model schools.
UPSC Exam Angles
Governance: Centre-State relations, cooperative and competitive federalism, conditional grants, policy implementation challenges.
Social Justice: Equity and access to quality education, inclusive development, bridging educational disparities.
Education Policy: Understanding the PM-SHRI scheme, its objectives, features, and its alignment with NEP 2020. Evolution of education schemes in India.
Constitutional Provisions: Concurrent List, Article 21A (Right to Education), Directive Principles of State Policy related to education.
Visual Insights
Kerala's Role in PM-SHRI Scheme Funding
This map highlights Kerala, the state central to the news, receiving PM-SHRI funds after signing an MoU. It underscores the geographical aspect of Centre-State cooperation in educational reforms.
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PM-SHRI Fund Release Process (Centrally Sponsored Scheme)
This flowchart illustrates the typical process for states to receive funds under Centrally Sponsored Schemes like PM-SHRI, emphasizing the critical role of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
- 1.Union Government Launches Centrally Sponsored Scheme (e.g., PM-SHRI)
- 2.Union Education Ministry Outlines Scheme Guidelines & Funding Conditions
- 3.States/UTs Express Interest & Review Guidelines
- 4.Is State Willing to Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)?
- 5.MoU Signed (Committing to Scheme Objectives & Implementation)
- 6.Funds Released by Centre to State/UT for Scheme Implementation
- 7.Scheme Implemented & Monitored by State/UT with Central Oversight
- 8.MoU Not Signed (Funds Withheld)
More Information
Background
Education in India has historically been a complex subject, moving from a State subject to the Concurrent List via the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, signifying shared responsibility between the Union and State governments. This shift aimed to facilitate national policy formulation while allowing states flexibility in implementation.
Major initiatives like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) were launched to universalize elementary and secondary education, respectively, later integrated into the comprehensive Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 further laid down a vision for a holistic, multidisciplinary, and future-ready education system.
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. With reference to the PM-SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme, consider the following statements: 1. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at upgrading existing schools into model schools. 2. The scheme mandates the integration of digital learning and green school initiatives in the upgraded schools. 3. Funds under the scheme are released to states only after they sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Education Ministry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct: PM-SHRI is indeed a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) launched to upgrade existing schools into model schools, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020. Statement 2 is correct: A key feature of PM-SHRI schools is their focus on modern, transformational, and holistic methods of imparting education, including digital learning, smart classrooms, and green school initiatives. Statement 3 is correct: As highlighted in the news, the release of funds is contingent upon states signing an MoU with the Union Education Ministry, ensuring commitment to the scheme's objectives and implementation framework. Therefore, all three statements are correct.
2. In the context of education in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Education was moved from the State List to the Concurrent List by the 42nd Amendment Act of the Constitution. 2. Article 21A, which makes education a fundamental right for children aged six to fourteen years, was inserted by the 86th Amendment Act. 3. The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is an overarching programme that subsumes the erstwhile Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, and Teacher Education. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 2 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
Statement 1 is correct: The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 moved education from the State List to the Concurrent List, allowing both the Centre and states to legislate on it. Statement 2 is correct: Article 21A, guaranteeing the Right to Education for children aged 6-14 years, was inserted into the Constitution by the 86th Amendment Act of 2002. Statement 3 is correct: The Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, launched in 2018, is an integrated scheme for school education extending from pre-school to senior secondary levels, subsuming the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE) schemes. All three statements are factually correct.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: 1. It recommends a 5+3+3+4 curricular structure, replacing the 10+2 structure. 2. The policy aims to achieve 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in school education by 2030. 3. NEP 2020 is a legally binding framework that mandates all states to adopt its recommendations without any modifications. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?
- A.1 only
- B.3 only
- C.1 and 2 only
- D.2 and 3 only
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is correct: NEP 2020 indeed proposes a new pedagogical and curricular structure of 5+3+3+4, replacing the existing 10+2 structure. Statement 2 is correct: A key objective of NEP 2020 is to achieve 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in school education from pre-school to secondary level by 2030. Statement 3 is NOT correct: NEP 2020 is a comprehensive policy framework and a vision document, not a legally binding mandate. While it provides a guiding framework, states and Union Territories are expected to adapt and implement its recommendations according to their specific contexts and needs, often through mechanisms like MoUs for specific schemes (like PM-SHRI). Therefore, only statement 3 is incorrect.
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