Jammu, Feb 13:
In a significant move to ensure the high-standard implementation of the PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme, the Central Government has appointed three senior officers as Central Nodal Officers (CNOs) for field inspections across key districts in Jammu and Kashmir.
Leading the team is Mr. Ajeet Kumar Sahu, a senior IAS officer of the 2003 batch (erstwhile J&K cadre), who has been assigned to oversee the Baramulla district.
Strategic Oversight for NEP-2020 Goals
The appointments are part of a broader national initiative where 137 Group-A officers have been deployed across India to review the progress of PM SHRI schools. These inspections, scheduled between February 16 and February 25, 2026, focus on:
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Infrastructure Standards: Ensuring state-of-the-art facilities and “Green School” initiatives.
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NEP-2020 Implementation: Verifying if pedagogy and curriculum align with the National Education Policy.
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Student Progress: Reviewing the tracking of learning outcomes and 21st-century skill integration.
The Nodal Officers & Their Districts
The Government of India has handpicked experienced Joint Secretary-rank officers to lead the verification process in J&K:
| Officer Name | Current Posting | Assigned District |
| Ajeet Kumar Sahu (IAS) | Joint Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers Welfare | Baramulla |
| Anice Joseph Chandra (IRS) | MD, National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation | Rajouri |
| Sushi Pal | Joint Secretary, Govt of India | Udhampur |
A Familiar Face Returns to J&K Grounds
The appointment of Ajeet Kumar Sahu is particularly noteworthy given his deep administrative roots in the region. Currently on central deputation, Sahu has previously served in critical roles within the UT, including:
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Secretary, Public Health Engineering (PHE).
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Deputy Commissioner (DC), Jammu.
His familiarity with the local administrative landscape is expected to provide a nuanced and effective assessment of the school infrastructure in Baramulla.
What is the PM SHRI Scheme?
The PM SHRI scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at developing over 14,500 schools as “exemplar” institutions. These schools are designed to showcase all components of the National Education Policy 2020, acting as mentors to other schools in their respective regions. “These inspections are a vital part of the PRAGATI review mechanism to ensure that the vision of high-quality, inclusive, and joyful education reaches the grassroots level,” noted a senior official from the Ministry of Education.
