Patna: As many 836 higher secondary schools in Bihar would be developed as model schools under the PM SHRI Schools scheme, by merging 6-8 classes of nearby middle schools and imparting quality teaching and offering lifestyle skill training to students from the coming academic session.
The PM SHRI or the PM Schools for Rising India scheme, a centrally-sponsored project launched in 2022, envisages holistic development of students through the conduct of smart classes, labs with computers and ICT equipment, integrated labs with physics, chemistry, biology, and other science equipment, classes to provide vocational and other skill training and hands on learning for electronics.
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The Central government has proposed to develop more than 14,500 schools across India under the PM SHRI scheme. The Central government bears about 60% of the total expenses on these schools, while the rest of running cost is managed by the state government’s resources.
Additional chief secretary, education, S Siddharth said that a maximum of 60 schools would be taken up for upgrade in Patna district under the PM SHRI scheme, the notification for which has been issued on Monday. “As many as 51 schools in Rohtas, 48 in Nalanda and 39 in Purbi Champaran would be designated as PM Shri schools,” said Siddharth, adding that schools of all the districts have been included under the scheme.
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A senior officer of the education department said that the PM SHRI schools impart education in accordance with the New Education Policy 2024, which aims to create an inclusive and progressive education system in India. It focuses on skill development, digital literacy, and holistic learning. The policy also emphasizes vocational training and internships to help students develop practical skills. The goal of PM SHRI schools is to help students develop 21st century skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
The education department had to identify the middle schools to be merged with the higher secondary schools (from 9 to 12 classes), as teaching of students up to class 8 was restricted to the middle schools only. “Head masters of the middle schools to be merged with PM SHRI schools would be transferred to other schools,” said the officer.
