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Political Turmoil as PM-SHRI Takes Center Stage in Kerala
During a press conference on Wednesday, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced that Kerala would proceed with the PM-SHRI scheme, citing the state’s prior commitment through a signed MoU and the receipt of funds. He emphasized the government's efforts to implement the initiative while safeguarding its educational autonomy.
“Because the last government signed the PM-SHRI scheme, Kerala is already a participant. Not only that, the Centre has also released over Rs 99 crore of the amount pending from it,”Satheesan explained. He pointed out that an additional Rs 106 crore has been allocated, but voiced concerns over potential interference in the curriculum and the selection of schools for implementation.
Launched in September 2022, the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme has been a flashpoint for political discord since its inception. The initial endorsement by the previous LDF government sparked backlash from both the UDF and the LDF’s ally, the CPI. Following public outcry, the LDF announced a temporary halt to the scheme, which has now reignited with Satheesan's latest remarks.
In response, CPI(M) leaders accused the Congress of hypocrisy, stating that the state had merely frozen the scheme and had not received any funds.
“When the LDF government signed it, the Leader of the Opposition and the Muslim League alleged that it was a sign of a deal between the CPI(M) and the BJP... Now that they have become the ruling government, they are not only saying they will implement it but are also spreading lies,”said Govindan, a CPI(M) spokesperson. This back-and-forth highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding the initiative.
The PM-SHRI scheme aims to enhance educational infrastructure across over 14,500 schools nationwide, with a focus on quality education. However, concerns in Kerala stem from the implications of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which forms part of the scheme's framework. Other states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have also voiced similar apprehensions regarding the scheme.
A Parliamentary Committee report from March revealed that the Centre has withheld substantial funds from various states, including Rs 859.63 crore from Kerala. Despite the controversies, the LDF government previously announced intentions to secure Rs 1,466 crore in central funding by implementing the PM-SHRI scheme, marking a significant pivot from its earlier stance against the initiative. This decision faced backlash from both the opposition and within the CPI, leading to internal strife among the ruling coalition's ranks.
Satheesan, previously a vocal critic of the scheme, clarified that his opposition was rooted in the lack of transparency surrounding the agreement, rather than the acceptance of central funds. As political tensions simmer over the PM-SHRI scheme, the future of education policy in Kerala remains uncertain.
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