Criticism on NEP and Delimitation Process
M.K. Stalin criticized the NEP, calling it a “Hindutva policy” aimed at promoting Hindi instead of focusing on India’s development.
He believes the NEP would harm Tamil Nadu’s progress in education
Stalin highlighted that the NEP ignores social justice and reservations, especially for SC, ST and OBCs, and denies them financial aid.
Stalin described the delimitation process as a threat to India's cooperative federalism and democratic values.
Stalin emphasized that his party, DMK, would oppose this by collaborating with regional parties in southern states.
DMK MP Kanimozhi clarified that Tamil Nadu would only accept the PM SHRI scheme if it followed the recommendations of a state-led committee, not those from the Union government.
PM SHRI
The PM SHRI Scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative, launched in 2022, by the Government of India
Aimed at establishing over 14,500 PM SHRI Schools by enhancing existing schools to showcase the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The primary objective is to create an inclusive and nurturing environment that promotes the well-being and safety of every student
Offering diverse learning experiences and access to quality infrastructure and resources.
The funding pattern is 60:40 between Centre and State Governments and UTs with legislature (except J&K).
The sharing pattern is 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States and UT of J&K
100% central funding for the Union Territories without legislature.
States must confirm their participation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Education Ministry.
The duration of the scheme is from 2022-23 to 2026-27, after which it shall be the responsibility of the states/UTs to continue to maintain the benchmarks achieved by these schools.
Key Features of PM SHRI Schools:
These schools will focus on holistic student development of students including the skills of communication, collaboration and critical thinking.
Teaching methods will be experiential, inquiry-driven, and learner-centred.
Schools will have modern labs, libraries, art rooms, and promote "green" initiatives like water conservation and waste recycling.
They have best-in-class modern facilities, including Smart Classrooms, Computer Labs, Integrated Science Labs, Vocational Labs/Skill Labs, and Atal Tinkering Labs.
Learning outcomes will be prioritized, with competency-based assessments that apply knowledge to real-life situations.
Schools Eligible to become PM SHRI School:
Schools managed by Central/State/UT Governments and local bodies.
All Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas which are non-project and run from permanent buildings.
Monitoring Framework of Schools:
A School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) will monitor performance, with regular evaluations to ensure high standards.
SQAF is a set of standards and best practices as paradigms for attaining individual and institutional excellence.
Selection of Schools:
It is done through Challenge Mode in a 3-stage process:
Stage-1 involves signing MoU with the Centre.
Stage-2 identifies eligible schools based on UDISE (Unified District Information System for Education)+ data, and
Stage-3 is a challenge method where eligible schools compete to fulfill certain criteria.
States/UTs/KVS/JNV verify claims and recommend schools, and an Expert committee headed by Secretary makes the final selection.
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