Pradhan emphasized the introduction of 10 bagless days annually in schools, aiming to involve students in arts, culture, and sports. He made these remarks while launching the PM SHRI scheme in Chhattisgarh, which will upgrade 211 schools in the state. The event took place at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay auditorium in Raipur. Highlighting the government’s initiatives under the NEP 2020. Pradhan mentioned that starting from the 2025-26 academic session, students will have the opportunity to take their 10th and 12th class board exams twice. As per the New Curriculum Framework (NCF) released by the Ministry of Education in August last year, board exams will be conducted at least twice annually, allowing students ample time and opportunities to excel, with the option to retain their best scores.
Addressing the students present at the event, the Union minister asked if they were pleased with the decision and encouraged them to retain their highest scores from both exams.
He emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision outlined in the NEP to:
- Alleviate student stress,
- Provide quality education,
- Promote cultural engagement,
- Equip them for the future,
- Envisioning India’s development by 2047.
Pradhan criticized the previous Congress government in the state, noting their lack of focus on education. Moreover, highlighted the BJP government’s prioritization of the sector since assuming power. Particularly under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. Regarding the PM SHRI scheme’s first phase, he announced:
The upgrade of 211 schools in Chhattisgarh, comprising 193 elementary and 18 secondary schools, following a ‘hub and spoke’ model, with each school receiving Rs 2 crore in funding.
Under this model, the mentor institution, referred to as the ‘hub,’ will serve as a centralized entity responsible for guiding the mentee institution. “OR” the ‘spoke,’ by offering various services aimed at self-improvement. Responding to a request from state education minister Brijmohan Agrawal, Pradhan announced plans to include more secondary and higher secondary schools in the scheme’s next phase.
Furthermore, Pradhan disclosed India’s intention to bid for the 2036 Olympics Games, expressing the hope that Chhattisgarh athletes would contribute 10% of the country’s medals in the event. He emphasized the need to initiate preparations for this endeavor starting this year. Chief Minister Sai, along with the school and higher education minister Agrawal and senior officials, attended the function.
