Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan has clarified that the state government will not withdraw from the PM Schools for Rising India (PMSHRI) scheme. Instead, it will implement the centrally sponsored program conditionally. The announcement comes amid ongoing political debates over the scheme's implementation in the state.
Conditional Implementation
Speaking to the media, Satheesan stated that the government has decided to proceed with PMSHRI but with certain conditions to protect the state's interests. He emphasized that Kerala would not compromise on its educational policies or autonomy. The conditions are expected to be formally communicated to the central government soon.
Criticism of Previous Agreement
The Chief Minister criticized the previous agreement signed by the earlier government, alleging that it was done without proper consultation. He claimed that the United Democratic Front (UDF) opposed the manner in which the agreement was signed, reportedly keeping the CPI ministers in the then Cabinet in the dark. Satheesan asserted that the current government would ensure transparency in all future dealings.
PMSHRI is a flagship scheme of the central government aimed at strengthening school education across the country. Kerala had initially signed an agreement to join the scheme, but the new government raised concerns over certain clauses. The conditional implementation is seen as a middle path to avoid withdrawal while safeguarding the state's educational framework.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from political parties. While the ruling LDF supports the move, the opposition UDF has accused the government of delaying the scheme's benefits. Education experts have welcomed the conditional approach, stating that it allows Kerala to leverage central funds without compromising its progressive education model.
