Karnataka's PM Shri Schools Fall Short of National NEP Implementation Targets
Schools under the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM Shri) scheme in Karnataka have achieved just 84% of all components mandated under the initiative, falling well below the national average of 92%. This significant gap highlights challenges in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 across the state's educational institutions.
Understanding the PM Shri Scheme and Its Objectives
The PM Shri scheme is a centrally sponsored program designed to transform approximately 14,500 existing schools across India into exemplar institutions. These schools are intended to showcase all initiatives of the NEP 2020 while providing leadership and guidance to neighboring schools. In Karnataka specifically, 585 schools currently participate in the PM Shri program, serving over 2 lakh enrolled students.
Comprehensive Requirements for PM Shri Schools
To qualify as PM Shri schools, institutions must meet 21 distinct components that cover various aspects of modern education infrastructure and pedagogy. Key requirements include:
- Computer labs, ICT labs, or smart classrooms with Internet facilities
- Well-furnished libraries and fully equipped integrated science laboratories
- Vocational skill education programs and career counseling services
- Proper furniture availability and playgrounds with sports facilities
- School innovation councils and youth/eco clubs for Mission Life initiatives
- Building as Learning Aid (BaLA) features and jaadui pitara learning toolkits
- Ten bagless days for students and attendance tracking software
- Additional criteria such as clean drinking water, functional toilets, and self-defense training for girls
Karnataka's Performance in National Context
According to data submitted in the Lok Sabha, Karnataka's 84% saturation rate of NEP components places the state in the mid-to-lower tier among participating regions. Several states have achieved over 90% compliance, with Chandigarh leading at 100%, followed by Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, and Lakshadweep at 97% each. While Karnataka performs better than Bihar (61%), Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (79%), and Jharkhand (82%), the gap remains substantial compared to top-performing states.
Financial Support and Green School Initiatives
The education department official explained that "the gap will be filled in the coming years as projects for schools requiring full compliance will be presented before the next project approval boards." Financially, Karnataka received approximately Rs 6.8 crore in 2023-24 and Rs 10.8 crore in 2024-25 specifically for developing green school features. These environmental initiatives include rainwater harvesting, solar panels, LED lighting, nutrition gardens with natural farming, waste management systems, plastic-free practices, and comprehensive water conservation measures.
Notable Absences and Future Outlook
It is important to note that Kerala and Tamil Nadu do not participate in the PM Shri scheme, making Karnataka's performance particularly significant among southern states. The scheme represents a crucial component of India's educational transformation under NEP 2020, with PM Shri schools serving as model institutions expected to demonstrate excellence across academic, infrastructural, and environmental dimensions.
As Karnataka works to bridge the 8-percentage-point gap with the national average, education officials emphasize that ongoing projects and future funding allocations will be critical for achieving full compliance with all 21 NEP components. The state's progress in this ambitious educational initiative will be closely monitored as implementation continues across the selected schools.
