After extensive discussions and internal disagreements, the Kerala State government has finally decided to proceed with signing the agreement to implement the PM SHRI (PM’s Schools for Rising India) scheme in its schools.
General Education Minister V. Sivankutty had consistently argued that despite Kerala’s opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP), endorsing PM SHRI was crucial for securing much-needed Central funds designated for education schemes. Approximately ₹1,500 crore, including Samagra Shiksha funds, is currently pending from the Union government. However, significant resistance, notably from the coalition partner Communist Party of India (CPI), had led the Cabinet to reject the scheme on at least two previous occasions.
The Minister stressed, “There is no reason for us to forfeit Central funds intended for our students due to technicalities. These funds are essential for implementing student-focused schemes, especially for those from marginalized communities, and also for paying Samagra Shiksha staff.”
Sivankutty further highlighted that other departments, such as Higher Education, Health, and Agriculture, had already signed onto various Central schemes. He questioned, “Why should our department be the sole one to refuse these funds? We must acknowledge the practical realities on the ground.”
When asked if signing the agreement implied acceptance of the NEP, the Minister firmly reiterated that the Left Democratic Front government remains committed to its own educational vision. “There will be no deviation from our established policies,” he affirmed.
Sources indicate that a meeting between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this month proved to be a pivotal moment in resolving the issue.
Minister Sivankutty also confirmed that he had met with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan twice in recent months. “We had been actively pursuing these funds for a considerable period,” he acknowledged.
Education officials clarified that Kerala had already implemented significant aspects of the National Education Policy, such as teacher training and pre-primary education. They emphasized that the State would need to remain vigilant against any directives from the Union government that might conflict with its specific interests.
It was also noted that no state has fully adopted the NEP due to inherent structural differences. Officials suggested that any decisions regarding these complex aspects would likely emerge from future government-level discussions.
However, concerns persist that Kerala might not receive the full amount due. It is anticipated that only a portion will be sanctioned as the initial installment this year. Furthermore, the State’s current financial constraints raise doubts about its ability to provide a matching grant, which is often a prerequisite for the further release of Central funds. Without the State’s contribution, any benefits beyond salaries, assistive devices for differently-abled students, and funds for uniforms or textbook printing remain uncertain.