India’s New-Age Gurukuls: How PM SHRI Schools Are Redefining Government Education

The PM SHRI scheme is revolutionizing the country's education system at a rapid rate, setting up "21st-century gurukuls" rooted in Indian values but with global standards and 21st-century competencies. Over 13,000 schools in 33 states and UTs were shortlisted by July 2025, with plans to reach over 2 million children.

 

Key Highlights:
Comprehensive Education For Every Child: PM SHRI schools promote experiential, inquiry-based, and competency-based learning. The classrooms are equipped with digital boards, STEAM labs, and smart technology, combining conventional knowledge and contemporary innovation.

 

Implementation of NEP 2020 Model: These schools completely encompass the National Education Policy vision—multilingual education, play-based early learning, sustainability, and inclusive practices.

 

Infra Upgrade & Inclusivity: Government schools are rivaling private schools now: smart classrooms, clean toilets, playgrounds, drinking water, and digital resources. In Varanasi, attendance increased from 70% to 90% after upgradation, indicating higher levels of trust in government schools.

 

Mentor Hubs: PM SHRI schools act as exemplars. Their mentors shape local schools, mentoring teaching and leading reforms in clusters and thus redesigning communities as a whole.

 

Spreading Impact: Maharashtra and other states are improving thousands of schools as "CM Shri Schools" replicating central initiatives and fast-tracking the spread of quality education and guidance.

 

Financing and Transparency: With five-year financing of ₹27,360 crore, the scheme's competitive "Challenge Mode" option, performance-linked financing, and geo-tagged monitoring ensure transparency and accountability.

 

Focus on Equity and Access: Transport allowances, societal outreach, and targeted CSR investments further reduce disparities—these "modern gurukuls" available even to the most remote students.

 

"PM SHRI movement is transforming government schools into hubs of innovation, building balanced, future-capable citizens with 21st-century skills—in an inclusive, welcoming, and celebratory culture."

 

Source: Times of India, Hindustan Times, Vajiram & Ravi, PM SHRI Dashboard