A prominent figure in the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and former Finance Minister, T.M. Thomas Isaac, recently shed light on Kerala’s decision to align with the Central government’s PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. He explicitly stated that this move was a strategic maneuver designed primarily to secure much-needed Central funds for the state’s educational sector.
Addressing reporters on Sunday, October 26, 2025, Mr. Isaac acknowledged the existence of differing viewpoints within the Left Democratic Front (LDF) regarding this matter. He assured the public that these internal disagreements would be thoroughly discussed and amicably resolved.
Furthermore, Mr. Isaac strongly reiterated Kerala’s unwavering commitment to its educational principles. He emphasized that even with the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme, the contentious National Education Policy (NEP) would absolutely not be enforced within Kerala’s schools. “The State retains the ultimate authority to determine its curriculum and will vigorously resist any attempts at ‘saffronisation’ of its educational content,” he affirmed, underscoring the state’s resolve to safeguard its pedagogical autonomy.