From Samagra Shiksha to PM SHRI: What Budget 2026 puts behind school education schemes

The Ministry of Education's budget for 2026-27 has been set at ₹1,39,285.95 crore, marking an 8.27% increase from last year's allocation. This rise underscores the government’s continued commitment to enhancing the educational landscape. School education, a significant component of this budget, is poised for transformation as funds are redistributed to prioritize newer schemes while phasing out older initiatives. A notable shift in the budget is the reallocation of resources from the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan to the PM SHRI scheme. This transition reflects a strategic focus on modernizing school infrastructure and integrating technology into classrooms. PM SHRI aims to establish model schools with state-of-the-art facilities, promoting holistic learning environments to better prepare students for future challenges. Despite the changes, concerns linger regarding the phasing out of previous schemes like Samagra Shiksha, which have been instrumental in improving access to education across rural and underprivileged areas. Stakeholders are keenly observing how the new allocations will address these gaps while ensuring that the advancements under the PM SHRI scheme reach all corners of the country, maintaining a balanced educational development.

— Authored by Next24 Live