J-K: Centre approves Rs 243 crore for PM SHRI schools

The Project Approval Board (PAB) of the PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) scheme has approved an outlay of Rs 243 crore for Jammu and Kashmir...

What Happened

The Project Approval Board (PAB) of the PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) scheme has approved an outlay of Rs 243 crore for Jammu and Kashmir for the financial year 2026-27.
In the preceding year 2025-26, out of Rs 200.11 crore available, Rs 194.53 crore was utilised — indicating a high utilisation rate.
The approved funds are primarily earmarked for civil works and associated infrastructure development at PM SHRI schools in the Union Territory.
The scheme currently operates across 396 schools in Jammu and Kashmir, predominantly at the high school and higher secondary levels.
The PAB noted a 10% rise in board examination results at secondary and higher secondary levels in J&K as an indicator of early programme impact.
The Ministry of Education committed to ongoing assistance for successful execution of implementation plans in the Union Territory.

Static Topic Bridges

PM SHRI Scheme (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India)

PM SHRI was launched by the Central Government in September 2022 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to develop more than 14,500 model government schools across the country. The scheme upgrades existing schools managed by Central, State, UT governments or local bodies into exemplar institutions that implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in its full spirit. PM SHRI schools are expected to serve as lighthouse institutions and provide mentorship to neighboring schools.

Launch: September 7, 2022
Coverage: More than 14,500 schools across all States and UTs
Total budgetary allocation: Rs 27,360 crore for 2022-23 to 2026-27
Selection method: "Challenge Mode" — competitive application; maximum two schools per block (one elementary, one secondary/senior secondary)
Key features: Green schools (solar panels, natural farming, water conservation), 100% ICT and smart classroom coverage, Science and Math Kits for all PM SHRI schools
Implementing body: Project Approval Board under the Ministry of Education

Connection to this news: J&K's 396 schools enrolled under the scheme receive increased central funding for 2026-27, reflecting the Union Territory's active implementation pace and improving outcomes.

NEP 2020 and School Education Reform

The National Education Policy 2020 is India's first comprehensive education policy revision since 1986. It restructures schooling into a 5+3+3+4 curricular framework replacing the earlier 10+2 system, and emphasises foundational literacy and numeracy, holistic learning, multilingualism, and integration of vocational education. PM SHRI schools are the primary vehicle for demonstrating NEP 2020 implementation at the school level.

NEP 2020 approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2020
New curricular structure: Foundational (5 years), Preparatory (3 years), Middle (3 years), Secondary (4 years)
Emphasis on mother tongue/regional language as medium of instruction up to Grade 5
Replaces rote learning with competency-based assessment

Connection to this news: The PM SHRI schools in J&K serve as NEP 2020 demonstration sites, and the fresh funding allocation advances both infrastructure and pedagogical transformation in the Union Territory.

Centre-State-UT Fiscal Relations in Education

Education is placed under the Concurrent List (List III, Entry 25 of the Seventh Schedule) of the Constitution, meaning both Parliament and State Legislatures can legislate on it. Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) like PM SHRI involve a cost-sharing arrangement between the Centre and States/UTs. However, for Union Territories without a legislature (like J&K pre-2019) or with legislature but limited revenue capacity, the Centre bears a larger share. J&K, reorganised into two Union Territories in October 2019, receives central funding on terms that differ from full statehood.

Concurrent List Entry 25 covers education (excluding universities and technical education)
CSS funding ratio: typically 60:40 (Centre:State) for most states; higher central share for hilly states and UTs
J&K was bifurcated into J&K (UT with legislature) and Ladakh (UT without legislature) by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019
J&K's limited fiscal capacity relative to full states makes central CSS funding critical

Connection to this news: As a Union Territory, J&K's PM SHRI funding is more centrally driven, and the Rs 243 crore outlay reflects both the Ministry's commitment and J&K's implementation capacity.

Key Facts & Data

Funds approved for J&K under PM SHRI for 2026-27: Rs 243 crore
Funds utilised in 2025-26: Rs 194.53 crore (out of Rs 200.11 crore available)
Number of PM SHRI schools in J&K: 396 (predominantly high school and higher secondary level)
Total PM SHRI schools nationally: more than 14,500 targeted
National budget for PM SHRI (2022-27): Rs 27,360 crore
Key outcome noted by PAB: 10% rise in board examination results in J&K
Scheme launch date: September 7, 2022
Implementing ministry: Ministry of Education