SBI Foundation education initiative supports Prayoga’s science learning mission in Raichur, empowering rural schools with STEM labs and teacher training aligned with NEP 2020.
SBI Foundation Backs Prayoga’s Kriya Science Learning Mission in Karnataka
Empowering Rural Science Education
The SBI Foundation, in partnership with the Prayoga Institute of Education Research and SBI Funds Management, launched the Kriya Programme on 17 June 2025 in Raichur, Karnataka. This initiative is part of the “Integrated Learning Mission: Reimagining Science Education” aimed at transforming STEM learning in 12 government schools over the next 40 months, targeting students from Grades 6 to 8
Hands-On STEM Laboratories
These schools will be equipped with dedicated STEM lab stations featuring tools and equipment aligned with NCERT curricula. Customized courseware, developed by Prayoga’s research team, supports experiential learning—allowing students to actively participate in experiments and scientific inquiry.
Continuous Teacher Empowerment
A key component of the program is the Teacher Empowerment Programme (TEP), which provides structured training and ongoing mentoring for science educators. The goal is to ensure teachers are equipped to deliver inquiry-based education that fosters curiosity and scientific reasoning among students.
Focus on Aspirational Districts
Raichur, designated as an “aspirational district”, often lags in education indices. This focused investment addresses rural educational disparities by offering quality science education in underserved regions.
Leadership and Community Engagement
The inauguration event was graced by SBI Foundation MD & CEO Sanjay Prakash, Prayoga Trustee Vallish Herur, and District Education Officer Dr. Eranna Kosagi, along with local headmasters, students, and team members—highlighting strong institutional and community collaboration.
Why This News Is Important
Enhancing STEM Reach in Rural Areas
India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes experiential learning. SBI Foundation’s support accelerates this vision by bringing hands-on STEM education to rural schools where such resources are usually scarce.
Promoting Equitable Access
By focusing on government schools in aspirational districts like Raichur, the mission reduces rural–urban educational imbalances. This enables students in remote regions to access the same quality education available in urban centers.
Capacity Building of Educators
The programme’s emphasis on teacher training ensures that improved school infrastructure is complemented by enhanced teaching skills, which is essential for sustainable impact.
Support for Exam Aspirants
For aspirants of banking, civil services, railways, defence, and teaching roles, awareness of government partnerships and STEM education initiatives can be crucial for exam essays and interviews.
CSR in Education
This initiative exemplifies impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR), aligning SBI Foundation’s resources with Prayoga’s educational research and implementation model for systemic change.
Historical Context
- Prayoga Institute’s Legacy: Launched over 10 years ago, the “Kriya initiative” has previously impacted more than 11,000 students across 77 schools, emphasizing scalable and research-driven STEM education in rural Karnataka
- Growing CSR in Education: India’s CSR mandate under Section 135 of the Companies Act has spurred initiatives in educational equity. SBI Foundation emerges as a leading entity investing in quality education.
- NEP 2020 Alignment: The programme is aligned with NEP’s focus on skill literacy, foundational learning, and experiential pedagogy—shifting from rote learning to an inquiry-based model.
- Aspirational Districts Programme: Identified by NITI Aayog to fast-track development in lagging regions, Raichur receives targeted investments in health, agriculture, governance, financial inclusion, and education.
Key Takeaways from SBI–Prayoga Science Mission
| No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | SBI Foundation, Prayoga, and SBI Funds Management launched the Kriya programme on 17 June 2025 in Raichur, Karnataka. |
| 2 | The initiative will upgrade 12 government schools with STEM labs and NCERT-aligned experiential courseware. |
| 3 | It focuses on Grades 6–8, spanning a 40-month implementation to foster hands-on science learning. |
| 4 | Through the Teacher Empowerment Programme, science educators will receive structured training and mentoring. |
| 5 | Targeting an aspirational district, the mission aims to combat educational inequities in rural India. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Kriya Programme?
The Kriya Programme is a science education initiative launched by Prayoga Institute in partnership with SBI Foundation and SBI Funds Management. It focuses on experiential STEM learning in government schools.
2. Which schools are included in the initiative?
The programme will be implemented in 12 government schools located in Raichur district, Karnataka, over a period of 40 months.
3. What is the role of SBI Foundation in this project?
SBI Foundation is providing financial and strategic support for the implementation of the programme under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) framework.
4. How does the Kriya Programme support teachers?
The programme includes a Teacher Empowerment Programme (TEP) that offers structured training and mentoring to science teachers to enhance their instructional skills.
5. Why was Raichur chosen for this initiative?
Raichur is an aspirational district identified by the government for targeted development due to its low human development indicators, making it a priority for educational interventions.
6. How does this news relate to government exam preparation?
This initiative is relevant for aspirants preparing for civil services, teaching, banking, and state-level exams as it reflects current developments in education policy, CSR initiatives, and rural development.
7. What curriculum does the STEM courseware follow?
The STEM labs and courseware are aligned with NCERT guidelines to ensure consistency with national education standards.
Some Important Current Affairs Links
