In a move to bolster the educational landscape of Odisha, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan officially inaugurated the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme on Sunday. This ambitious initiative aims to transform centrally-administered schools in the state, paving the way for holistic educational development.
The PM SHRI scheme will initially focus on 63 schools managed by the Centre, encompassing both Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs). These institutions will receive a total investment of over Rs 120 crore under the scheme, with Rs 50.8 crore already allocated for the fiscal year 2023-24.
The funds allocated under the PM SHRI scheme will be utilized to upgrade the infrastructure of these schools, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and digital learning facilities. Additionally, the scheme will support initiatives to enhance the quality of teaching, introduce innovative pedagogical practices, and promote holistic development of students.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the importance of the PM SHRI scheme in strengthening the educational infrastructure in Odisha. He expressed hope that the scheme would foster a culture of excellence in centrally-run schools, enabling students to reach their full potential.
The Odisha government has also expressed its commitment to supporting the PM SHRI scheme and is expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education soon. This MoU will facilitate the implementation of the scheme in state-run schools, further expanding its reach and impact.
The launch of the PM SHRI scheme in Odisha marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey towards achieving educational excellence. With the concerted efforts of the central and state governments, the scheme holds the potential to transform the educational landscape of Odisha, empowering students to become future leaders and innovators.