Will the Kerala government join the PM SHRI scheme despite CPI's objections?
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Synopsis
In a significant turn of events, the Kerala government has decided to join the PM SHRI scheme, unlocking crucial funds despite opposition from CPI. This bold move could reshape educational funding in the state, leading to enhanced infrastructure and teaching standards. Explore the implications of this policy shift.
Key Takeaways
- Kerala government joins PM SHRI scheme.
- Secures Rs 1,500 crore in funding.
- Two schools per block will be developed.
- State will not implement rejected NEP provisions.
- Political tensions with CPI persist.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 19 (NationPress) After months of uncertainty and internal disputes within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), the Kerala government has resolved to participate in the Centre’s flagship education initiative — the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme — despite considerable resistance from the CPI, a key ally.
Education Minister V. Sivankutty announced that the decision has been officially conveyed to the Union government, and the department secretary has been directed to finalize the agreement.
“This was the sole path to secure the Centre’s allocation of Rs 1,500 crore, which has been pending for various educational programs in Kerala,” the minister stated.
This decision signifies a major policy reversal for the LDF government, which had previously opted out of the scheme on two occasions due to pressure from the CPI.
However, this latest decision was made without presenting the issue to the State Cabinet.
According to Sivankutty, cabinet approval was deemed unnecessary as similar processes had been followed by the Agriculture and Higher Education departments when they participated in central projects.
The renewed decision came after a meeting between Minister Sivankutty and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi.
Further discussions with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPI(M) leadership cleared the path for Kerala’s involvement.
Under the PM SHRI scheme, two schools from each block will be chosen and developed with central funding. Each institution will receive an average annual grant of Rs one crore for five years to enhance infrastructure and educational standards.
Initially, the state government had resisted joining the scheme, arguing that it could indirectly promote the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in Kerala.
The CPI and numerous education activists expressed concerns that displaying signs with the title “PM SHRI School” could be viewed as political branding and undermine the state’s autonomy in educational policy.
However, the General Education Department cautioned that Kerala’s ongoing absence from the scheme had already resulted in the freezing of Rs 1,500 crore in central funds under the Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) program, leading to disruptions in salaries for nearly 6,000 SSK employees.
Minister Sivankutty emphasized that while Kerala would join PM SHRI to access the funds, the state would not implement any of the NEP provisions it has formally rejected, particularly regarding syllabus changes and historical content revisions.
Point of View
It is clear that the government's decision to join the PM SHRI scheme, despite CPI's resistance, underscores the pressing need for educational funding. This move, while controversial, reflects the complexities of coalition politics and the prioritization of student welfare over political disagreements. Ensuring educational advancement should remain the utmost priority.
NationPress
19/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PM SHRI scheme?
The PM SHRI scheme is the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India initiative aimed at enhancing educational standards in Indian schools through funding and support from the central government.
Why did the Kerala government initially resist joining the scheme?
The Kerala government initially resisted joining due to concerns that the scheme could facilitate the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in the state, which they had officially rejected.
How much funding will schools receive under PM SHRI?
Each selected school under the PM SHRI scheme will receive an average annual grant of Rs one crore for five years to improve infrastructure and teaching standards.
What impact will this decision have on Kerala's education system?
Joining the PM SHRI scheme will provide Kerala access to significant central funding, potentially improving educational infrastructure and resources for students.
What are the concerns raised by CPI regarding the PM SHRI scheme?
CPI has raised concerns that the scheme may lead to political branding and compromise the state's autonomy in educational policy.
