On Sunday, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan introduced the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme in Odisha, aimed at enhancing numerous schools nationwide. In the initial phase, out of 97 Central Schools and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, the scheme will be implemented in 63 institutes overseen by the Centre in the state, Pradhan confirmed.

The Ministry of Education had urged all states and Union Territories to sign MoUs with the Department of School Education and Literacy for scheme implementation. Despite this, the Odisha government is yet to take this step, noted Pradhan.

“The PM SHRI scheme will entail an investment of over Rs 120 crore in the state,” mentioned the union minister. For the fiscal year 2023-24, the Centre has allocated Rs 50.8 crore for the state’s centrally administered schools, with Rs 12.7 crore already disbursed in the initial installment. Specifically, Rs 7.27 crore was allocated for 37 central schools and Rs 5.43 crore for 26 Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.

Pradhan emphasized the substantial financial support the government provides annually, with Odisha receiving nearly Rs 4,200 crore each year under schemes like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and PM Poshan.

Expressing disappointment over the delay in implementing the PM SHRI scheme in Odisha’s government-run schools, Pradhan stressed the joint responsibility of enhancing education and students, urging the state government’s active participation.

“I have reached out to the Chief Minister thrice in the last year regarding the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme in Odisha schools. Once again, I appeal to the CM to consider this,” he stated.

The PM SHRI scheme was launched by the Centre on September 7, 2022. Pradhan expressed confidence that Odisha, despite not yet implementing the scheme, isn’t among the states withholding it for political reasons. He highlighted the potential substantial funds of Rs 1500 crore that Odisha schools could have accessed had the scheme been executed in just two schools per block and municipality.

Earlier that day, Pradhan inaugurated the administrative-cum-academic and hostel-cum-guest house buildings of the Eastern Regional Language Centre in the region.