What Are the Differences in LDF Regarding Vijayan Government's PM SHRI Initiative?
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Synopsis
Tensions rise within the Left Democratic Front as CPI's Binoy Viswam insists that the National Education Policy will not be implemented in Kerala. The controversy over the PM SHRI scheme has sparked debates on financial dependencies and political integrity, raising questions about the future of education in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Binoy Viswam asserts that the NEP will not be implemented in Kerala.
- The CPI warns against the implications of accepting PM SHRI Scheme funds.
- There are tensions within the Left Democratic Front regarding educational policies.
- V.D. Satheesan highlights concerns about the BJP's influence.
- The controversy raises questions about state autonomy in education.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 22 (NationPress) CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam on Wednesday emphasized that the National Education Policy (NEP) will not be adopted in Kerala.
The CPI stands as the second largest partner in the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Front coalition in Kerala.
Viswam cautioned that accepting financial assistance under the PM SHRI Scheme would effectively force the state to comply with the NEP.
Referring to PM SHRI as a “backdoor route” to impose the NEP, he stated that the funds and the policy are “intricately linked”.
He highlighted that M.A. Baby, the general secretary of the CPI(M), has already made the party’s stance clear.
Viswam's remarks were a pointed rebuttal to the previous claims made by V. Sivankutty, the State Education Minister and CPI(M) legislator, that the state would proceed with the PM SHRI initiative.
Viswam addressed the media shortly after convening a meeting with the four state CPI cabinet ministers at his residence prior to the weekly cabinet session.
During the cabinet meeting, CPI ministers brought up the PM SHRI issue, and it is reportedly known that neither Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan nor Sivankutty commented on the matter.
The CPI has voiced its dissatisfaction regarding what it views as a unilateral decision by the CPI(M) to advance the PM SHRI program without adequate consultation within the Left Democratic Front.
Adding complexity to the discussion, V.D. Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition, remarked that there is “nothing inappropriate about accepting central funds”, but cautioned against letting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s “communal agenda” infiltrate through such schemes.
“This financial aid does not originate from the Prime Minister’s household,” he stated, mentioning that the PM SHRI scheme had been executed in states governed by the Indian National Congress, but it was implemented before the party assumed power there. Satheesan criticized the CPI(M) for disrespecting the CPI, saying it’s regrettable for a party like the CPI to be belittled by the CPI(M) and urged it to reconsider its position within the LDF.
Point of View
The situation in Kerala highlights a critical juncture in regional politics where party alliances are tested. The CPI's resistance to the PM SHRI scheme reflects a broader concern about educational policies shaped by central government influence. This situation merits attention as it showcases the balancing act between state autonomy and federal funding.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PM SHRI Scheme?
The PM SHRI Scheme is a government initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of education in schools across India, with a focus on modernizing infrastructure and curriculum.
Why is the CPI opposed to the implementation of NEP?
The CPI believes that the NEP undermines state educational autonomy and is concerned about the associated conditions tied to central funding.
What does the CPI's stance mean for education in Kerala?
The CPI's stance indicates a commitment to maintaining Kerala's educational policies, which they feel are being threatened by central government mandates.
How has the CPI(M) responded to the opposition?
The CPI(M) has expressed intentions to move forward with the PM SHRI scheme, indicating a divergence within the coalition.
What are the potential implications of accepting central funds?
Accepting central funds may lead to increased federal influence on state education policies, which some parties view as detrimental.
