West Bengal joins PM SHRI School scheme; centre allocates Rs 2,773.56 cr

The West Bengal government has signed an agreement with the ministry of education to implement the PM SHRI schools scheme. The initiative will develop government schools of the state as “exemplar schools” to provide better school education services.

The selection of the PM SHRI schools is done through a transparent challenge mode, where schools compete for support to become "exemplar schools.”

The selection of PM SHRI schools in West Bengal is currently ongoing, according to an official notification. “Since, West Bengal State is implementing Samagra Shiksha Scheme which has been aligned with NEP 2020, it was appropriate for the State to come forward for implementation and showcase all the initiatives of NEP 2020 including under PM SHRI Scheme in order to develop government schools of the State as exemplar schools to facilitate best school education services,” according to an official notification.

Education Ministry allocates funds for West Bengal PM SHRI School scheme

The annual work plan and budget, submitted by the West Bengal government for the financial year 2026-27, amounts to Rs. 2,773.56 crore (including the previous year's spillover).

The budget has been approved by the Project Approval Board (PAB). The approved outlay includes a central share of Rs. 1,664.14 crore.

“The department has issued the mother sanction of Rs.116.48 crore to the State government for implementation of the Samagra shiksha Scheme,” the notice read.

On May 15, 2026, the West Bengal government signed a pact with the education ministry to join the PM SHRI School initiative. The ministry had also announced plans to invite Tamil Nadu and Kerala for the PM SHRI scheme.

The PM SHRI scheme provides funds to “model schools” and has been part of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan to promote universal access to quality school education.