Kerala PM SHRI row: LDF to discuss CPI’s concerns amid backlash over policy shift for central funds

After two years of opposing the Centre’s PM SHRI schools initiative, the Kerala government has reversed its stance, announcing that it will join the scheme to access pending central funds worth Rs 1,466 crore. However, after facing criticism for its decision, the state government said the issue will be discussed within the Left Democratic Front (LDF).

The Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Sunday announced the decision to join Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme, but clarified that the state’s education policy will remain unchanged. The state government agreed to join the central scheme only to receive the due funds.

Under the PM SHRI scheme, over 14,500 existing schools run by central, state, and local bodies are to be upgraded with financial support from the Centre. The state had alleged that its share of the education grant was not disbursed because it refused to participate in the PM SHRI scheme.

The Tamil Nadu government, which also took a similar stance, approached the Supreme Court seeking the release of the due funds. Following which, the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds were released.

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CPI, Congress oppose Kerala's PM SHRI stance

Opposing the policy shift, the CPI and allied organisations have expressed their reservations, with some representatives in the ministry, including revenue minister K Rajan, claiming the matter was not discussed in the cabinet.

The party’s All India Youth Federation (AIYF) also criticised the move and said that it was in stark contrast to the proclaimed stand of the government and a violation of the assurances given to the student groups.

The ABVP welcomed the decision stating that the scheme will directly benefit around 336 schools in Kerala. The ABVP Kerala state secretary EU Eswaraprasad said: "ABVP welcomes the Kerala government's decision to join the PM Shri scheme, which is inevitable for the betterment of Kerala's educational sector. ABVP is the only student organisation that raised its voice for the scheme despite drastic opposition from the ruling dispensation and other student outfits.”

Meanwhile, the Congress party accused the CPI(M) of a "secret alliance" with the BJP, saying the decision exposes the Marxist party’s "covert understanding" with the Centre. The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief Sunny Joseph demanded that the chief minister should clarify whether the matter will be formally reviewed.

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No backtrack from state education policy

CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby said the Marxist party would never adopt a stance ignoring the CPI either at the national or state-level. He asserted that the state government would not backtrack from its proclaimed Kerala education policy .

"CPI and its allied organisations have criticised it. As CPI raised an objection, it will surely be discussed in the Left Democratic Front (LDF)," he said.

LDF convenor TP Ramakrishnan had justified the announcement on joining the scheme and said the ruling front's general stance is to ensure that the state received the maximum possible funds from the Centre.

Asked why the state government is not approaching the Supreme Court like Tamil Nadu over the matter, Ramakrishnan said the neighbouring state has adequate revenue but Kerala does not have. He also didn't give a clear reply to a query about the differences of opinion raised by CPI, a key partner in the LDF, on the state joining PM SHRI scheme, the PTI reported.