Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday wrote to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressing concern over the state’s non-signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the PM SHRI scheme. The PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme is a flagship initiative aimed at upgrading 14,500 schools across the country, with an anticipated benefit to 18 lakh students. The scheme’s objective is to transform these schools into model institutions that embody the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, setting a standard for educational excellence.

Pradhan highlighted that the Centre had selected 6,448 schools from 28 states and Union territories for upgradation in the first phase. He noted that Tamil Nadu had initially indicated its willingness to participate by providing an undertaking on 15th March 2024, agreeing to sign the MoU within the academic year 2024-25. Following this, the Department of School Education & Literacy (DOSEL) sent a draft MoU to the state. However, Pradhan expressed surprise and disappointment that Tamil Nadu’s response included a modified MoU, where a crucial paragraph concerning the comprehensive implementation of NEP, 2020, was omitted.

In his letter, Pradhan emphasized the importance of fully embracing NEP, 2020 under the PM SHRI scheme. He pointed out that just as Tamil Nadu has been effectively implementing the Samagra Shiksha scheme, which is aligned with NEP, 2020, it is only appropriate for the state to showcase all NEP initiatives through the PM SHRI scheme. This would enable Tamil Nadu’s government schools to serve as exemplary institutions, offering the best educational services.

The Samagra Shiksha scheme, which Pradhan referenced, is the largest Central government initiative for the universalisation of school education. It supports states in implementing the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and plays a crucial role in the strengthening and upgradation of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and other agencies responsible for teachers’ training.

Pradhan’s letter underscores the significance of collaboration between the Centre and the state to achieve the shared goal of enhancing the quality of education across India. He urged Tamil Nadu to reconsider its stance and fully commit to the PM SHRI scheme, ensuring that the state’s schools can benefit from the transformative potential of NEP, 2020.

Source: PTI

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