Q1. How significant is the Prime Minister’s announcement on National Teacher’s Day this year?

SKN: The announcement of a new initiative PM SHRI Schools (PM ScHools for Rising India), is of tremendous importance to the Indian educational system. The critical thing to note here is that, unlike previously, this is not a centre-sponsored scheme for educational assets maintained by the Central Government. Under the leadership of PM Modi, the Central Government has continuously been engaging with state Governments and launching inclusive and consultative initiatives, whether it is Ayushman Bharat or PM SHRI. Keeping the ethos of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas at its core, PM SHRI will be upgrading and developing over 14,500 schools managed by the Central, State/UT Governments and local bodies. It is yet another initiative that will help the nation to build Brand India by strengthening the education ecosystem in India.

Q2. PM SHRI will help the nation build Brand India. How?

SKN: India will be able to leverage its demographic dividends of being a young nation for a couple of decades. The children of today will be the youth and workforce of tomorrow, and they will be shaping the future of the country. Our well-educated, skilled, and trained youth will be the biggest future asset and icons.

So by building model schools, the Government is investing in those who will build Brand India. PM SHRI will be the foundation of a new generation of holistically educated, confident, well-rounded students equipped with sensitivities, skill sets, and knowledge of the 21st-century world. Based on National Education Policy 2020, the schools are expected to be much more than what is traditionally expected of Government schools in the country.

Q3. What’s your take on PM SHRI being based on NEP 2020?

SKN: The National Education policy has been around for two years. The entire educational ecosystem is gradually shifting to align with the policy. Therefore, PM SHRI’s announcement is most timely and relevant. It is essential to understand that NEP 2020 was a significant departure from the three-decade-old educational policy. The global education ecosystem has undergone a mega transition in the past 30 years.

Q4. Will PM SHRI benefit poorer and deprived parts of society in educating their children?

SKN: The new policy caters to the needs and expectations of the modern world in an inclusive manner. A policy is guiding in nature. To have it physically and institutionally implemented is the next and most critical step across schools. It will benefit the deprived as they send their children for education. In announcing PM SHRI, the Government has taken up the cause to lead by example and drive change on the ground. It is way more than just upgrading institutions with physical infrastructure and amenities. It showcases how we can achieve holistic learning, assessment, and value creation. In brief, the progress of PM SHRI would be like witnessing NEP 2020 coming to life in our schools.