Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addresses the CII Annual Business Summit 2026 in New Delhi on May 17, 2026. | Photo credit: ANI
The Union Ministry of Education has issued a fresh advisory regarding the ongoing implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) program in West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu following the Assembly elections that ended in the three states.
Launched in September 2022, the five-year initiative aims to transform over 14,500 schools into “exemplary institutions” that pioneer the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Union Secretary for School Education Sanjay Kumar said in his letter to states, noting that 34 states and union territories have already moved forward with the programme.
Despite the program being well into its third year, West Bengal is yet to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The Center has sent 11 letters to West Bengal, including three in 2022, three more in 2023, three in 2024 and two in 2025, pushing for the implementation of PM SHRI.
“Influencing Students”
“The delay in signing the MoU has resulted in delaying the selection and development of PM SHRI schools in the state, affecting the intended benefits to students and consequent strengthening of the education system as a whole. It may be noted that there is limited time left to complete the five-year duration of the programme,” the education ministry said in the letter.
The letter to Kerala states that from November 12, 2025, the Kerala government has shelved the MoU. The state had earlier decided to form a committee to look into specific implementation issues.
“The communication has led to undue delay in the selection of state government schools… I hope the matter is resolved now as there is limited time left to complete the programme,” Kumar said in a letter to the Kerala government.
In a letter to Tamil Nadu, Mr. Kumar said the state had earlier committed to implement the PM SHRI scheme for the academic session 2024-25. However, this process remains incomplete despite 12 official requests from the center.
Published – 12 May 2026 23:04 IST
