Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty announced Sunday the state will prioritize securing Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) funds from the Union government. This commitment comes after the state cabinet decided to halt the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. Minister Sivankutty confirmed he would visit New Delhi on November 10 . During his visit, he plans to attend a meeting of labor ministers and meet with the Union Education Minister to discuss the SSK funding matter.
Kerala Halts PM SHRI Implementation
The state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, formally decided last Wednesday to put the PM SHRI scheme on hold. This action followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the scheme in New Delhi just days prior. Chief Minister Vijayan stated the decision to review PM SHRI was made due to "controversies and concerns" that had arisen over the matter. The move signifies a significant pause in integrating the central education initiative into Kerala’s school system.
Strong objections from the Communist Party of India (CPI), a key coalition partner of the CPI(M)-led Left government, heavily influenced the decision. The CPI publicly criticized PM SHRI, alleging it could facilitate the implementation of a specific political agenda, specifically the RSS agenda, within Kerala’s education sector. This resistance created a political challenge for the ruling coalition. Although the state’s General Education Department initially defended signing the MoU as a strategic move to secure crucial central funds, the CPI argued that joining the scheme represented a deviation from the proclaimed policy of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.
Minister Sivankutty’s Perspective
Minister Sivankutty addressed reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, clarifying his position on the PM SHRI scheme. He stated there was "no personal happiness or unhappiness" for him regarding the scheme. He emphasized that the government’s primary objective is to adhere to the established policy of the Left Democratic Front. This aligns with the state’s broader educational philosophy. The Minister’s remarks underscore the political and ideological considerations behind the state’s approach to central education policies.
Regarding the ongoing efforts to secure state-specific education funding, Minister Sivankutty confirmed a recent discussion about the Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) fund had been "positive." He reiterated the government’s resolve, stating, "We will continue our attempt to get the SSK fund." This indicates that despite the pause on PM SHRI, Kerala remains focused on securing financial support for its existing educational initiatives.
Path Forward: Cabinet Review and SSK Funds
To address the complexities surrounding PM SHRI, the Kerala government has constituted a seven-member Cabinet sub-committee. This committee’s mandate is to thoroughly study the implementation of the central school scheme and submit a comprehensive report. The first meeting of this sub-committee has not yet been convened. Future procedures concerning PM SHRI will be determined only after the committee holds its meeting and provides its findings.
Meanwhile, the state’s continued pursuit of SSK funds remains a priority. Minister Sivankutty’s scheduled visit to New Delhi on November 10 aims to advance discussions directly with Union education officials. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial for the state’s educational funding, separate from the ongoing review of the PM SHRI scheme.