Kerala to Implement PM-SHRI with Conditions, Igniting Fresh Political Firestorm

The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala has declared its intention to proceed with the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme, a centrally sponsored initiative by the Union government. However, this decision comes with explicit conditions, primarily focusing on safeguarding the state's autonomy over curriculum development and the selection of beneficiary schools. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan articulated this stance, emphasizing that the government was 'forced' into this continuity, citing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government and the receipt of initial central funds.

The PM-SHRI scheme, launched by the Government of India on September 7, 2022, aims to develop over 14,500 existing schools across the country into 'exemplar' institutions that showcase the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These schools are envisioned to provide high-quality education in an equitable, inclusive, and joyful environment, incorporating modern facilities like smart classrooms, digital libraries, vocational labs, and green school initiatives such as solar panels and waste management systems.

The ideological objections to PM-SHRI in Kerala stem from concerns that it would impose the education agenda of the Sangh Parivar and facilitate the 'saffronisation' of education through the NEP 2020. Both the LDF and the UDF, while in opposition, had previously voiced strong opposition to the scheme on these grounds.

Chief Minister Satheesan highlighted the 'compulsion' behind his government's decision, explaining that the LDF government, led by former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, had signed the MoU with the Centre on October 16, 2025. This agreement was reportedly made without prior cabinet approval or consultation with LDF partners, particularly the Communist Party of India (CPI), which strongly opposed it. The LDF's decision to sign the MoU was a significant reversal of its long-standing opposition, largely prompted by the Centre withholding substantial funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).

According to Satheesan, Kerala had received ₹99 crore and ₹106 crore in two installments under the scheme, with more funds (around ₹1,200 crore to ₹1,500 crore) from the SSA blocked and conditional upon PM-SHRI participation. He clarified that these funds were Kerala's rightful due, not a favour from the Centre, indicating the economic rationale driving the current government's decision.

To address the state's concerns, the UDF government has formed a four-member cabinet sub-committee, headed by General Education Minister N. Samsudheen, and including Ministers Roji M. John, P.C. Vishnunadh, and M. Liju. This committee is tasked with studying all aspects of the PM-SHRI scheme and formulating the state's official position, which will then be communicated to the Central government.

The key conditions Kerala plans to impose are: first, the Centre must not interfere in the state's curriculum framework; and second, the state should retain the freedom to select the schools where the scheme will be implemented. Satheesan also mentioned discussions with Chief Ministers of other non-BJP ruled states that have implemented the scheme, aiming for a collective approach to protect state rights.

This decision has immediately reignited a political controversy. Former General Education Minister and CPI(M) leader V. Sivankutty accused the UDF government of "double standards" and surrendering to the Centre's attempts to implement the NEP. He stated that the previous LDF government had only signed the MoU as a tactical step to secure withheld SSA funds and had later put the scheme's implementation on hold and formally communicated this to the Centre. Sivankutty also alleged that the UDF, which had vehemently opposed the scheme while in opposition, was now implementing the 'Sangh Parivar agenda'.

The CPI(M) state secretariat has also criticized the UDF, alleging an 'understanding between the Congress and the BJP' and warning that Kerala's 'secular society' would not permit the implementation of the NEP. The political sparring underscores the deep-seated ideological conflict over education policy in Kerala and the complex Centre-state financial dynamics influencing such decisions. The state's financial constraints, with education arrears reaching significant amounts, played a crucial role in the LDF's initial reversal and now compel the UDF to navigate this contentious scheme.