3 weeks ago
West Bengal Joins PM SHRI Scheme to Upgrade Government Schools
The West Bengal government in India agreed to join a special program called PM SHRI that helps make government schools better.
PM SHRI stands for Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India.
The two sides signed the agreement on May 15, 2026.
Schools will be chosen through a fair competition called challenge mode.
The chosen schools will become model, or 'exemplar,' schools that show how good education can look.
West Bengal wants to show how the new National Education Policy from 2020 can work in real schools.
The state plans to spend about 2,773 crore rupees on school education next year.
The central government will pay a big part of that money.
This program is part of a larger effort called Samagra Shiksha, which supports school education across India.
The central government also wants Tamil Nadu and Kerala to join the program.
West Bengal signed an agreement with the Ministry of Education on May 15, 2026, to join the PM SHRI Schools initiative.
The scheme aims to develop government schools in the state as 'exemplar schools' to improve the quality of school education.
West Bengal submitted an annual work plan and budget of Rs 2,773.56 crore for the financial year 2026-27, including the previous year's spillover.
The Project Approval Board approved the proposed outlay, which includes a central share of Rs 1,664.14 crore.
The ministry also announced plans to invite Tamil Nadu and Kerala to participate in the PM SHRI scheme.
- Who
- The West Bengal government and the Union Ministry of Education
- What
- Signed an agreement to implement the PM SHRI Schools scheme to develop government schools as exemplar institutions
- Where
- West Bengal, India
- When
- May 15, 2026, with school selection currently underway
- Why
- To improve the quality of school education, showcase NEP 2020 reforms, and promote universal access to quality schooling
Key facts
- Agreement date
- May 15, 2026
- Scheme
- PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India)
- Total budget (FY 2026-27)
- Rs 2,773.56 crore
- Central share
- Rs 1,664.14 crore
- Mother sanction
- Rs 116.48 crore for Samagra Shiksha Scheme
- School selection method
- Transparent challenge mode
- States invited to participate
- Tamil Nadu and Kerala











