Has Kerala Requested the Centre to Suspend the PM SHRI Scheme?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, the Kerala government has sought to pause the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme due to internal discord within the ruling coalition. This decision, driven by concerns over a lack of Cabinet discussion prior to signing the MoU with the Union government, raises questions about the future of education policies in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Kerala government seeks to halt PM SHRI implementation.
- Internal discord within the ruling coalition prompted the request.
- CPI's concerns about central overreach in education.
- Cabinet discussions were lacking prior to signing the MoU.
- Chief Minister's decision reflects coalition dynamics.
Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 12 (NationPress) The government of Kerala has officially reached out to the Centre to request a pause on the implementation of the PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme. This request follows some internal disagreements within the ruling Left coalition regarding the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union government.
On Wednesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed the Cabinet that communication had been directed to the Union Education Ministry, asking for a halt to all actions until further clarification is provided.
This situation arose after the CPI, the second-largest member of the Left Democratic Front (LDF), voiced significant dissatisfaction over the government's prior decision to sign the MoU without adequate discussion within the Cabinet.
The leadership of the CPI expressed serious concerns, labeling the decision as a breach of collective responsibility and cautioning against possible political fallout if the matter isn't rectified.
Ministers K. Rajan and P. Prasad met with the Chief Minister on Wednesday to convey their party's discontent regarding the delay in addressing the issue.
They reportedly urged the Chief Minister to clarify the government's stance promptly, emphasizing that the CPI's state council viewed the situation as potentially damaging to coalition unity.
CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam responded to the situation by stating that this decision was made by the LDF and has now been acted upon.
“The delay is not the problem; there is a procedure, and it has been followed. The CPI was confident about this, as it has always been the norm within the LDF,” Viswam remarked.
The CPI contends that the PM SHRI scheme, being funded by the Centre, could enable federal overreach into state education powers, reflecting the Left's broader resistance to perceived centralization in policy-making.
Amid growing pressure, the Chief Minister consented to send a formal notice to the Centre, effectively pausing the project.
Subsequently, State Education Minister V. Sivankutty confirmed to the media that the letter had been dispatched. He stated that Kerala had communicated its intention to suspend all actions related to the PM SHRI initiative and that the Centre had been duly informed.
Point of View
It is crucial to observe how Kerala's request to pause the PM SHRI scheme reflects the ongoing tensions between state and central governance. The decision highlights the importance of collaborative decision-making in coalition politics and poses critical questions about state autonomy in educational matters. We stand with the notion that transparent dialogue is essential for maintaining political stability and public trust.
NationPress
12/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kerala request to suspend the PM SHRI scheme?
Kerala's government sought to suspend the PM SHRI scheme due to internal disagreements within the ruling coalition regarding the decision to sign the MoU with the Union government without adequate Cabinet discussion.
What are the concerns regarding the PM SHRI scheme?
The CPI raised concerns that the centrally sponsored PM SHRI scheme could lead to federal encroachment on state powers in the education sector, which is in line with their broader opposition to centralization in policymaking.
Who is leading the opposition within the Kerala government?
The opposition within the Kerala government is primarily led by the CPI, which is a significant member of the Left Democratic Front (LDF).
What was the response from the Chief Minister?
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan agreed to send a formal communication to the Centre to pause the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme amid growing pressure from coalition partners.
What does this mean for educational policies in Kerala?
This development raises questions about the future of educational policies in Kerala and highlights the need for cooperative governance between state and federal authorities.
