PIB Summaries 17 August 2024

CONTENTS

1. PM SHRI Schools and Prerana Programme
2. PM-PRANAM

 PM SHRI Schools and Prerana Programme

Context:

Recently, the Union Minister of Education interacted with students, teachers, parents of PM SHRI Schools and alumni of Prerana Programmes.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About PM SHRI Schools
2. About Prerana Programme

About PM SHRI Schools:

• This will be a new centrally sponsored scheme for upgradation and development of more than 14,500 Schools across the country by strengthening the selected existing schools from amongst schools managed by Central Government/ State/ UT Government/ local bodies.
• PM SHRI Schools will showcase all components of the National Education Policy 2020 and act as exemplar schools and also offer mentorship to other schools in their vicinity.

Implementation strategy

• PM SHRI Schools would be implemented through the existing administrative structure available for Samagra Shiksha, KVS & NVS. The other autonomous bodies would be involved on specific project basis as required.
• These schools shall be monitored vigorously to assess progress and understand the challenges faced in implementation of National Education Policy 2020.

Beneficiaries

• More than 18 lakh students are expected to be direct beneficiaries of the scheme. Futher impact will be generated through the mentoring and handholding of the schools in vicinity of PM SHRI schools.

Key features

•  PM SHRI will provide high-quality education in an equitable, inclusive and joyful school environment that takes care of the diverse background, multilingual needs, and different academic abilities of children and makes them active participants in their own learning process as per the vision of NEP 2020.
• It will provide leadership to other schools in their respective regions by providing mentorship.
• The PM SHRI  Schools will be developed as Green schools, incorporating environment friendly aspects like solar panels and LED lights, nutrition gardens with natural farming, waste management, plastic free, water conservation and harvesting, study of traditions/practices related to protection of environment, climate change related hackathon and awareness generation to adopt sustainable lifestyle.
• Pedagogy adopted in these schools will be more experiential, holistic, integrated, play/toy-based inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centred, discussion-based, flexible and enjoyable.
• Focus will be on learning outcomes of every child in every grade. Assessment at all levels will be based on conceptual understanding and application of knowledge to real life situations and will be competency-based.
• Assessment of the resources available and their effectiveness in terms of availability, adequacy, appropriateness, and utilisation for each of the domains and their key performance indicators will be done and gaps will be filled in a systematic and planned manner.
• Linkage with Sector Skill Councils and local industry for enhancing employability and providing better employment opportunities will be explored.
• A School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) is being developed, specifying the key performance indicators to measure outcomes. Quality evaluation of these schools at regular interval will be undertaken to ensure the desired standards.

Aim:

• The aim of these schools will not only be qualitative teaching, learning and cognitive development, but also creating holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st century skills.
• They will provide leadership in their respective regions in providing high-quality education in an equitable, inclusive and joyful school environment that takes care of the diverse background, multilingual needs, and different academic abilities of children and makes them active participants in their own learning process as per the vision of NEP 2020.

About Prerana Programme: 

• The Prerana Programme is a transformative educational initiative launched in January 2024 by the Union Education Ministry.
• It’s designed to blend the rich heritage of Indian educational values with modern technological learning environments, aiming to nurture well-rounded individuals who appreciate both cultural heritage and innovation.
• Goal: To integrate Indian educational principles and value-based education from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Prerana is a week-long residential program for selected students of class IX to XII.
• Participants: 20 students each week (10 boys and 10 girls), selected from across India.
• Location: A historical Vernacular School established in 1888 in Vadnagar, Mehsana District, Gujarat.

Educational Approach:

• Developed by IIT Gandhi Nagar, featuring nine value-based themes such as Swabhiman and Vinay, Shaurya and Sahas, Parishram and Samarpan, among others.
• Experiential and inspirational, with a strong emphasis on merging heritage with cutting-edge technology.

Objectives and Impact:

• Cultural Integration: By focusing on values like Karuna and Sewa, Vividhta and Ekta, the programme promotes a deep respect for diversity and unity, aligning with the concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family).
• Skill Development: Encourages critical thinking and innovation through themes like Navachar and Jigyasa.
• Social and Emotional Learning: Builds character and leadership skills among students, preparing them for complex future challenges.

PM-PRANAM

Context:

The Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers in reply to a question in the Lok Sabha provided information regarding the PM-PRANAM initiative of the government.

Relevance:

GS III: Agriculture

Dimensions of the Article:

1. PM-PRANAM
2. Features of the scheme

PM-PRANAM

PM-PRANAM (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and Amelioration of Mother Earth) is a scheme introduced by the Prime Minister of India.

Objective:

• Encourage the balanced use of fertilisers by promoting the use of bio fertilisers and organic fertilisers.
• Reduce the subsidy burden on chemical fertilisers, which has been increasing significantly.

Implementation:

• States that adopt alternative fertilisers and reduce the consumption of chemical fertilisers will be incentivised.
• The subsidy amount saved from reducing chemical fertiliser usage will be provided to the states as a subsidy for promoting alternative fertilisers and other development works.
• The Centre will give 50% of the subsidy savings to the states.

Example:

• If a state reduces its consumption of conventional fertilisers by 3 lakh tonnes and saves ₹3,000 crore in subsidies.
• The Centre will provide 50% of the subsidy savings, which is ₹1,500 crore, to the state for promoting alternative fertilisers and other development initiatives.

Benefits:

• Encourages the adoption of sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
• Reduces the dependency on chemical fertilisers, promoting the use of bio fertilisers and organic fertilisers.
• Helps in reducing the subsidy burden on chemical fertilisers, which has been increasing over the years.

Features of the PM-PRANAM scheme include:

Financing:

• The scheme will be financed through the savings from existing fertiliser subsidies under schemes administered by the Department of Fertilisers.
• There will be no separate budget allocated for the scheme.

Subsidy Grant:

• 50% of the subsidy savings resulting from reduced chemical fertiliser usage will be provided to the state as a grant.
• Asset Creation:
• 70% of the grant received by the state can be utilized for creating assets related to the technological adoption of alternative fertilisers.
• This includes establishing alternate fertiliser production units at the village, block, and district levels.

Incentives and Rewards:

• The remaining 30% of the grant money can be used to reward and encourage farmers, panchayats (village councils), and other stakeholders involved in reducing chemical fertiliser usage and generating awareness about alternative fertilisers.

Calculation Method:

• The calculation for reducing chemical fertiliser use will compare a state’s increase or decrease in urea consumption in a given year with its average urea consumption over the previous three years.
• This serves as a reference point to assess the reduction in chemical fertiliser usage.