Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 29 (NationPress) Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared a suspension of the PM SHRI program in the state and established a seven-member committee of state ministers, led by Education Minister V. Sivankutty, to evaluate the initiative.

"Until the committee submits its report, the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme will be on hold," the Chief Minister stated following Wednesday's Cabinet meeting, noting that the decision would be formally communicated to the Centre.

Vijayan, however, evaded numerous inquiries regarding his shift in stance, suggesting that everyone should await the committee's findings.

This announcement follows a period of discord within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) regarding the controversial Central education scheme, with the CPI-M conceding to the CPI's assertive position and reaching a compromise.

After days of escalating tension that risked fracturing the ruling LDF, the state government confirmed the suspension and plans to send a formal notification to the Centre shortly.

Earlier that day, CPI General Secretary D. Raja, addressing a gathering in Delhi, remarked that the PM SHRI matter "has been resolved for the time being."

“All four of our ministers will participate in the Cabinet meeting. We oppose the National Education Policy (NEP), and our stance remains firm. The government will inform the Centre accordingly,” he mentioned.

The CPI-M's reconsideration came in response to significant pushback from its ally, the CPI, which had cautioned against potential political repercussions if the government proceeded with the agreement.

Senior leaders from the ruling front indicated that this conciliatory step has averted a major coalition crisis and secured the participation of all CPI ministers in Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.

In contrast, former BJP state President K. Surendran criticized the Kerala government's decision to withdraw from the PM SHRI agreement as "self-destructive" and harmful to the state's student population.

He stated that Education Minister Sivankutty had previously acknowledged the absence of flaws in the PM SHRI scheme.

"The state cannot simply retract from the agreement. All stipulations of the Memorandum of Understanding must be honored," Surendran emphasized.

He argued that Vijayan's attempt to withdraw from the agreement to placate the CPI would ultimately deny Kerala’s children the advantages available to their peers across India.

Surendran claimed that this move has tarnished the government's credibility and called for an apology to the academic community and the public.

He also accused the CPI of "arrogance that could harm the state," asserting that its stubbornness led the LDF government to make a decision detrimental to Kerala’s educational interests.