Delhi signs MoU with Centre to implement PM-SHRI scheme

Delhi adopts PM-SHRI scheme to upgrade schools, aligning with NEP, while other states like Punjab and Kerala show interest.

Two years after the scheme was launched, the State Government of Delhi has adopted the PM-SHRI (Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India) scheme.

Delhi Government education officials signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Education on October 22 to implement the scheme.

Spread over five years at a cost of ₹27,360 crore, the scheme proposes to convert more than 14,500 schools into “exemplar” institutions, with the Centre contributing 60% of the funding for upgradation while States will contribute the remainder. In the north east the Centre will provide 90% of funding.

The PM-SHRI scheme, which aligns with the National Education Policy (2020), falls under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, out of which major funding needs of government schools are met. Apart from PM-SHRI, these funds cover teachers’ salaries, uniforms and books, reimbursements for economically weaker section (EWS) students, and aid to EWS in private schools.

Senior MoE officials confirmed that Samagra Shiksha funds for Delhi will be released shortly.

Earlier in September, Delhi’s Secretary (Education) Ashok Kumar had written to the Centre expressing interest in signing the PM-SHRI MoU. Mr. Kumar had also requested the release of third and fourth instalments of Samagra Shiksha funds for FY 2023-24 and the first instalment for FY 2024-25. The pending funds amount to ₹330 crore.

Punjab and Delhi came on board in August and October, respectively. Officials in the MoE confirmed that Tamil Nadu and Kerala are expected to sign the MoU soon.