Haryana is planning to launch a new CM Shri Schools initiative modelled on the Centre’s PM Shri Schools, Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda told the state Assembly during the Budget Session.

The proposed schools will follow the CBSE pattern, with the state government seeking to develop an education model focused on improved academic standards and modern schooling practices.

Dhanda made the announcement while responding to a question raised by a member of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha.

CM Shri Schools to Follow CBSE Pattern

The Education Minister said the Haryana government would soon begin the CM Shri Schools initiative along the lines of the existing PM Shri Schools programme.

According to the minister, the proposed institutions will follow the CBSE pattern. The announcement indicates an effort by the state government to create a separate network of schools based on the academic and institutional model associated with PM Shri Schools.

Further details regarding the number of schools, locations, infrastructure and implementation schedule were not provided in the statement.

25% Seats Reserved for EWS and DG Students

The minister also informed the Assembly about admissions for students from economically weaker and disadvantaged sections in private schools.

He said the Education Department has reserved 25% of entry-level seats in private schools for students belonging to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and Disadvantaged Groups (DG) under the Right to Education framework.

The provision is intended to facilitate access to private-school education for eligible children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Over 14,000 RTE Applications Received

Dhanda said 14,127 applications were received during the last academic session for admission to private schools under the Right to Education Act.

Of these applicants, 11,803 successful candidates were allotted private schools, according to the figures presented by the minister.

The data provides an indication of the demand for RTE-linked admissions in the state and the scale of the admission process handled by the Education Department.

Focus on School Education in Haryana

The proposed CM Shri Schools initiative comes alongside the state's efforts to expand access to quality education while implementing provisions for children from economically weaker and disadvantaged communities.

The government is yet to provide a detailed roadmap for the new schools, including their proposed locations, infrastructure standards, admission criteria and the number of institutions to be established.

Those details are likely to determine how the initiative will operate alongside existing government schools and the PM Shri Schools network.

RTE Admissions Remain a Key Issue

The figures presented in the Assembly also highlight the continuing demand for admissions under the RTE framework.

With thousands of applications received in a single academic cycle, implementation of the 25% entry-level reservation remains an important part of ensuring access to private schools for eligible children.

The Haryana government's next challenge will be to ensure that the proposed CM Shri Schools initiative and existing RTE provisions translate into wider access and improved educational outcomes.

The large-scale transformation is being carried out through multiple state and central initiatives, including the PM SHRI scheme and infrastructure development programmes aimed at improving learning outcomes and increasing enrolment in government schools. Officials say the focus is not only on constructing new buildings but also on creating student-friendly campuses equipped with modern educational resources.

Across the state, schools are being equipped with smart classrooms, science laboratories, digital libraries, computer facilities and upgraded sports infrastructure. The government has also prioritised the construction of separate toilets for girls and boys, access to safe drinking water, better electricity supply and improved classroom furniture to create a more conducive learning environment.

Authorities believe these improvements are helping change public perception of government schools, which have traditionally faced challenges related to infrastructure and student enrolment. The emphasis has shifted from providing only basic facilities to creating campuses that can compete with private institutions in terms of learning resources and overall educational experience.

The expansion is part of Uttar Pradesh's wider education reforms, with thousands of schools undergoing renovation or receiving additional facilities in phases. Under the PM SHRI initiative, selected schools are being developed as model institutions featuring technology-enabled classrooms, activity-based learning spaces and facilities designed to support holistic education.

State officials have also highlighted the importance of integrating digital education into classrooms. Smart boards, audio-visual teaching tools and internet-enabled learning resources are expected to make lessons more interactive while improving students' access to modern educational content.

Apart from classroom upgrades, special attention is being given to campus safety and accessibility. Boundary walls, playgrounds, ramps for differently-abled students and landscaped school premises are being developed to ensure a more inclusive and secure environment for children.

The infrastructure drive is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages experiential learning, technology integration and improved school infrastructure. Officials believe modern facilities will help reduce dropout rates while encouraging parents to choose government schools for quality education.

Education experts have long argued that physical infrastructure plays a significant role in improving attendance and learning outcomes. Better classrooms, sanitation facilities and digital resources are considered essential for creating an environment where students can participate more actively in academic and extracurricular activities.

The Uttar Pradesh government has maintained that investment in school infrastructure remains one of its key priorities as it seeks to improve educational standards across urban and rural areas. Along with modern facilities, emphasis is also being placed on teacher training, digital literacy and skill-based learning to prepare students for future academic and professional opportunities.

With thousands of students expected to benefit from the ongoing upgrades, the state's education department hopes the transformation will strengthen confidence in the government school system and contribute to long-term improvements in learning quality. The modernisation programme is expected to continue in phases as additional schools are brought under various infrastructure development initiatives in the coming months.