Samagra Shiksha, PM SHRI, PM e-Vidya: Access to Quality Education
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Schemes
Why in news
The Ministry of Education has released details of integrated schemes like Samagra Shiksha, PM SHRI, and PM e-Vidya to ensure universal access to quality school education aligned with NEP 2020. Recent fund approvals for Punjab (Rs 722.93 crore for Samagra Shiksha and Rs 140.10 crore for PM SHRI in 2026-27) highlight ongoing implementation.
Background
Samagra Shiksha is a centrally sponsored scheme covering pre-primary to Class 12, replacing earlier schemes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan. It aligns with NEP 2020 to provide equitable and inclusive education.
Key facts
Samagra Shiksha is an integrated scheme covering pre-primary to Class 12, aligned with NEP 2020.
It provides financial assistance to states/UTs for new schools, infrastructure, free uniforms, textbooks, transport, and special training for out-of-school children.
PM e-Vidya integrates all digital/online/on-air education efforts under NEP 2020, including 200 DTH TV channels and 400 radio channels for supplementary education in Indian languages.
PM SHRI scheme aims to strengthen over 14,500 existing schools as model schools demonstrating NEP 2020 initiatives.
For 2026-27, Punjab received Rs 722.93 crore central share for Samagra Shiksha and Rs 140.10 crore for 356 PM SHRI schools.
Samagra Shiksha's inclusive education component supports children with special needs through identification camps, assistive devices, braille books, etc.
Schemes also cover border areas under Vibrant Village Programme and hostels for PVTGs under PM-JANMAN and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Residential Schools are being established under Samagra Shiksha.
Prelims pointers
- Samagra Shiksha
- PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India)
- PM e-Vidya
- NEP 2020
- PM-JANMAN (PVTG scheme)
- Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan
- Vibrant Village Programme
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Residential Schools
- Project Approval Board (PAB)
- Concurrent List - Education
Mains angles
- Discuss the role of Samagra Shiksha in achieving universal access to quality education under NEP 2020.
- Examine the effectiveness of PM SHRI schools as model institutions for implementing NEP 2020 reforms.
- Analyze the challenges in ensuring inclusive education for children with special needs and out-of-school children.
- Evaluate the impact of digital initiatives like PM e-Vidya on bridging the educational divide in rural and remote areas.