Jharkhand Selects 144 Schools for PM SHRI Excellence Initiative to Create Model Institutes
In a significant move to enhance educational standards, approximately 144 schools across Jharkhand have been identified under a fresh initiative designed to strengthen the quality and outcomes of the PM SHRI schools programme. This effort aims to develop these institutions as exemplary models that deliver outstanding, inclusive, and high-quality education to students throughout the state.
PM SHRI Adarsh Exemplar School Initiative: Fostering Mentorship and Best Practices
Under the newly launched PM SHRI Adarsh Exemplar School Initiative, high-performing PM SHRI schools will be nurtured as mentoring hubs. These hubs will play a crucial role in guiding and supporting other schools in adopting best practices, thereby elevating overall educational standards. State project director Shashi Ranjan emphasized that "PM SHRI follows a structured, data-driven approach aligned with the school quality assessment framework (SQAF) and the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020."
Comprehensive Assessment Based on 39 SQAF Indicators
The selection process involves a rigorous evaluation against 39 SQAF indicators, covering key domains such as:
- Teaching-learning practices
- Infrastructure development
- Governance mechanisms
- Inclusivity measures
- Leadership qualities
- Stakeholder satisfaction levels
Based on this detailed assessment, the state project management unit (state PMU) will identify 144 high-performing schools from 24 districts across Jharkhand. From this initial list, each district will further screen and select the three best-performing schools, ensuring a focus on top-tier institutions.
Intensive Mentoring and Continuous Monitoring for Sustained Improvement
Officials have outlined that the selected schools will receive intensive mentoring, continuous guidance, and close monitoring. This support is designed to enable them to function effectively as mentor schools for other PM SHRI institutes. Regular monitoring will be conducted through block resource persons (BRPs) and cluster resource persons (CRPs) using a standardized checklist that tracks:
- Student learning outcomes
- Teacher attendance and training
- Infrastructure improvements
- Community participation levels
Ranjan added, "Progress reports will be shared regularly with district and state leadership to ensure accountability and sustained improvement. The state is steadily strengthening PM SHRI schools through a phased approach."
Holistic School Strengthening Through Various Initiatives
In addition to the mentoring programme, schools are being bolstered through multiple initiatives, including:
- Establishment of school innovation councils
- Upgraded infrastructure with smart classrooms
- ICT and science laboratories
- Enhanced sports facilities
- Vocational education programmes
- Improved libraries and learning environments
This comprehensive strategy aims to create a robust educational ecosystem that aligns with national goals.
Background: PM SHRI School Selection in 2024
In the PM SHRI school selection process for 2024, over 13,000 schools participated through an open challenge platform. From this large pool, 325 schools were ultimately selected as PM SHRI schools, highlighting the competitive and merit-based nature of the programme. The current initiative builds on this foundation by further refining and elevating the top performers to serve as benchmarks for excellence in education across Jharkhand.
