Jaipur: State govt has launched a peer-learning initiative for PM-Shri schools to facilitate the exchange of best practices and innovative strategies in education.
Overseen by Chief Secretary V Srinivas, the programme began in July and brings together 10-15 school principals every month to present successful initiatives aimed at increasing student enrolment and enhancing skill education.
“The PM SHRI school heads’ webinar serves as a highly useful platform for interaction and sharing best practices. Mahatma Gandhi Govt Schools, Swami Vivekananda Model Schools, and other schools can also benefit from the innovations and useful activities,” Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan state project director Rashmi Sharma said.
Among the initiatives showcased was an alumni engagement programme at PM Shri Govt Senior Secondary School, Mandal, in Bhilwara district, which helped raise funds for infrastructure improvements and strengthen community involvement.
Principal Vineet Sharma, who participated in the first webinar in July, said, “I joined this school in 2018, and it was a proud feeling for me as I was a student at the same school. The school was not in the best shape then, but I suggested organising an alumni meet and got very good support from the community. Gradually, over the next three years, the school was renovated to such an extent that we were selected to become a PM Shri school.”
Principals also shared how being part of the PM-Shri programme has given students and staff opportunities to visit other schools, including Sainik School, Chittorgarh. The PM-Shri school in Mandal adopted the practice of installing wall clocks on the school campus after observing the system at Sainik School, Chittorgarh, to teach students about punctuality.
Principal Tikamchand Malakar of PM-Shri Darbar Senior Secondary School, Sambhar, Jaipur, said, “When I joined this school six years ago, it was in a dilapidated condition and was on the verge of being closed. With efforts from the community and philanthropists, we raised Rs 1.5 crore, and the school has now been declared a Centre of Excellence. The 122-year-old school is now a complete solar-powered school, without zero electricity cost.”
The education department has also started conducting district review meetings at select PM-Shri schools. This will allow officials and staff visiting the schools for meetings to experience the innovations and adopt them in their schools.
