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 reminder regarding the pending implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme to West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu after Assembly elections concluded in the three States.
Launched in September 2022, this five-year initiative aims to transform over 14,500 schools into “exemplar institutions” that lead the way in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Union School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar stated in his letter to the States emphasising that 34 States and Union Territories have already moved forward with the scheme.
Despite the scheme running well into its third year, West Bengal has yet to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The Centre has sent 11 letters to West Bengal, including three letters in 2022, another three in 2023, three in 2024 and two letters in 2025 pushing for implementation of PM SHRI.
‘Affecting students’
“The delay in signing MoU has resulted in postponement of selection and development of PM SHRI schools in the State, affecting the intended benefits to students and consequent strengthening of education system at large. It may be noted that only a limited time is left for the scheme to complete its five-year duration,” the Ministry of Education’s letter stated.
The letter to Kerala states that as of November 12, 2025, the Kerala government has kept the MoU in abeyance. The State previously moved to constitute a committee to examine specific implementation concerns.
“The communication has led to undue delay in the selection of State government schools… I hope that the matter has been resolved now, as only a limited time is left for the scheme to complete its duration,” Mr. Kumar’s letter to Kerala government stated.
In the letter addressed to Tamil Nadu, Mr. Kumar said the State had previously provided an undertaking to introduce the PM SHRI scheme for the 2024-25 academic session. However, the process remains incomplete despite 12 official requests from the Centre.
Published – May 12, 2026 11:04 pm IST
