PM SHRI
- Context: The Union Ministry of Education has issued a fresh reminder regarding the pending implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme to West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu after Assembly elections concluded in the three States.
PM SHRI Schools Scheme
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- The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister, approved the PM SHRI Schools Scheme.
- PM SHRI stands for PM ScHools for Rising India. PM SHRI is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
- The scheme aims to develop more than 14,500 schools across India.
- Existing schools managed by the Central Government, State Governments, Union Territories, and local bodies will be strengthened under the scheme.
- PM SHRI Schools will serve as model schools showcasing the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020.
Objectives of PM SHRI Schools
- To provide high-quality, equitable, and inclusive education.
- To create joyful and student-friendly learning environments.
- To support multilingual needs and diverse academic abilities of children.
- To develop holistic and well-rounded individuals with 21st century skills.
- To promote active participation of students in the learning process.
Funding Pattern
- In General States and Union Territories having a legislature, the expenditure is shared between the Centre and the State in the ratio of 60:40.
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- For North-Eastern States, Himalayan States, and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, the funding pattern is 90:10, with the larger share borne by the Central Government.
- In Union Territories without a legislature, the entire cost of the scheme is financed by the Central Government.
SEHAT Initiative
- Context: In a significant initiative to reinforce the convergence of agriculture, nutrition, and public health, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) jointly launched “SEHAT – Science Excellence for Health through Agricultural Transformation”, a national mission-mode programme designed to translate agricultural advancements into tangible health outcomes for the people of India.
- The initiative highlights India’s transition from treatment-oriented healthcare towards a system focused on prevention and health promotion.
- Its main aim is to strengthen coordination among agriculture, nutrition, and public health sectors for improving overall health outcomes.
- The programme gives importance to biofortified crops, nutrient-dense foods, integrated farming practices, and prevention of non-communicable diseases.
- SEHAT encourages the concept of “food as medicine” by promoting nutritious and scientifically supported agricultural methods.
- The initiative is aligned with the One Health approach, which connects human, animal, and environmental health systems.
Key Features
- Developing and promoting crop varieties that are naturally enriched with essential micronutrients such as zinc and iron.
- Re-emphasizing the consumption of climate-resilient and nutrient-rich millets, such as Kodo, Kutki, Ragi, Sorghum, and Pearl Millet.
- Encouraging rural households to integrate livestock rearing, fisheries, and beekeeping with crop cultivation to ensure diverse and balanced family nutrition.
- Implementing scientific interventions and awareness programs to protect farmers from the risks associated with pesticide exposure and hazardous chemicals.
- Exploring and promoting dietary alternatives that can act as therapeutic agents to prevent and manage lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.
- Addressing the interconnected health of humans, animals, and the environment through collaborative planning between medical and agricultural scientists.
- Developing real-time dashboards and research databases to align agricultural policies with national nutrition strategies.
Extension of Samagra Shiksha and PM POSHAN Schemes
- Context: The Central Government has provided a temporary extension to the Samagra Shiksha Scheme and PM Poshan schemes till September 30, pending approval for their continuation for another five years.
About the Samagra Shiksha Scheme
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- Samagra Shiksha was introduced in 2018 by the Ministry of Education as a flagship programme for school education.
- The scheme aims to provide equitable, inclusive, and affordable quality education across the country.
- It covers the entire schooling cycle from pre-primary to senior secondary level.
The scheme merged three earlier programmes into one comprehensive framework
- Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)
- Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA)
- Teacher Education (TE)
Objectives
- To improve the quality and efficiency of school education.
- To ensure inclusive and equitable access to education for all children.
- To strengthen holistic and integrated learning from preschool to Class 12.
- To make quality education accessible irrespective of social or regional background.
Implementation and Funding
- The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Education through the Department of School Education and Literacy.
- It functions as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
- The financial sharing pattern between the Centre and States is generally 60:40.
NIPUN Bharat Programme
- In June 2021, the government launched the NIPUN Bharat initiative under Samagra Shiksha.
- The programme focuses on children aged 3 to 9 years.
- Its objective is to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy skills at an early stage of learning.
PM POSHAN Scheme
- The Government approved the PM POSHAN Scheme for the period 2021–22 to 2025–26.
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- PM POSHAN stands for Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman.
- The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Education.
- It provides one hot cooked meal to children studying in Government and Government-aided schools.
Coverage of the Scheme
- The scheme covers children from Classes I to VIII.
- Children enrolled in pre-schools or Bal Vatika in primary schools are also covered.
- The programme is implemented across the country without discrimination based on gender or social background.
Objectives of PM POSHAN
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- PM POSHAN was earlier known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.
- The scheme seeks to address hunger and improve educational participation among children.
Main objectives include
- Improving nutritional status of school children
- Encouraging regular school attendance
- Supporting children from disadvantaged sections
- Enhancing concentration and classroom participation
Difference between LPG and PNG- LPG is distributed in cylinders, whereas PNG flows directly into homes through pipelines.
- Since LPG is filled under pressure within cylinders, it necessitates periodic refilling; however, PNG is delivered directly to the kitchen via underground pipelines.
Primary Composition
- LPG: Primarily a mixture of Propane and Butane.
- PNG: Primarily Methane; this typically constitutes 85–95% of its composition.
Density
- LPG: Heavier than air.
- PNG: Lighter than air.
