Thiruvananthapuram: Former education minister V Sivankutty has accused the United Democratic Front (UDF) government of misleading the public regarding the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme in Kerala. He asserted that the state has neither implemented the programme nor received any central funds under it. His remarks came a week after general education minister N Samsudheen stated that the government was examining whether it could unilaterally withdraw from the scheme signed during the previous government's tenure. Samsudheen had also indicated that a final decision would be taken after discussing the education secretary’s report at the next cabinet meeting.
Allegations of Misleading Arguments
In a social media post, Sivankutty claimed that the state exchequer has been financing the benefits extended to students and teachers under the guise of the PM SHRI scheme. “Kerala hasn’t started the PM SHRI project. Despite this, the UDF government is attempting to move ahead with the scheme by presenting misleading arguments,” he alleged. He further accused the UDF of distorting facts, noting that they held one view while in the opposition and another after assuming office.
Concerns Over National Education Policy
Sivankutty alleged that the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had put the PM SHRI memorandum of understanding (MoU) on hold over concerns that the scheme was linked to the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP). “NEP has many valid shortcomings,” said the former minister, defending the earlier decision to freeze the MoU.
Implementation Process Explained
Explaining the implementation process of PM SHRI, Sivankutty said it involves signing an MoU, identifying eligible schools through the UDISE+ portal, and inspections by state education officials before forwarding a list of selected schools to the Union education ministry for approval. Funding proposals can be submitted only after the Centre approves these schools, he added.
Background of the MoU
Kerala signed the PM SHRI MoU after the Centre denied the state its rightful share of central education funds. The Centre had linked the release of funds under the Samagra Shiksha programme to the signing of an MoU. The then LDF government subsequently froze the MoU, citing concerns that NEP was being used to advance the BJP’s saffronization agenda. The decision was formally communicated to the Union ministry, he claimed.
Rejection of Funding Claims
Sivankutty rejected the claim that the Rs 92.41 crore released under Samagra Shiksha Kerala following discussions with the Union minister was PM SHRI funding. He asserted that the amount was adjusted against reimbursement dues payable to Kerala under the Right to Education Act, and not a new allocation under the PM SHRI scheme.
