The Union Ministry of Education informed all states in a letter that government schools that would be converted into PM-SHRI schools (PM Schools for Rising India) will be created as "green schools" and will teach youngsters about the country's heritage and instil the principles of "Bharat."
According to the letter, the institutions will help students become fluent in Indian languages and also focus on "connecting students to local business for skill development."
A senior official from the Punjab education department said, "The union ministry has further stated that the online portal will open from 1 October 2022 to 30 November 2022, and during this period, the government schools in the state can apply to participate in the selection process for upgradation as PM-SHRI schools."
The initiative is part of a plan by the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to upgrade at least 14,500 currently operating public schools nationwide.
According to the letter, schools will be chosen for the PM-SHRI through a "challenge mode" in the first two years of the programme. To apply, schools must visit a portal that will be open four times annually, or once every quarter. Per block/urban local body, a maximum of two schools—one primary and one senior secondary—will be chosen.
"Students will be deeply steeped in Indian knowledge and heritage and will be proud of the ethos and values of Bharat. According to the letter from the Center, students will learn about India's contributions to the world, their responsibilities to society, how to communicate effectively in a few Indian languages, how to respect inclusivity, equality, and unity in diversity, and how to work toward "Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat."
According to the letter, teaching methods would be "experiential, inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, and fun," and schools will put an emphasis on "connecting with sector skill councils and local industry" to help students find better employment possibilities. As per the statement, "Children will be encouraged to intern with local shopkeepers, craftspeople, and other micro-enterprises.
