In a surprising political development, the Kerala government has decided to put on hold the implementation of the PM-SHRI (Schools for Rising India) scheme, following pressure from its coalition partner, the Communist Party of India (CPI). The move comes just days after the state signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union government in New Delhi to secure critical funding for school infrastructure under the scheme and claim pending dues under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).

Background of the PM-SHRI Scheme

The PM-SHRI scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at upgrading and modernizing government schools across India. It seeks to provide infrastructure support, improve learning outcomes, and enhance overall educational standards, particularly in under-resourced areas. In Kerala, the scheme was seen as a means to access substantial funding for infrastructure upgrades in schools and fulfill long-pending commitments under the SSA, which finances school staff salaries and other operational requirements.

Kerala’s general education department, under secretary K Vasuki, signed the MoU with the Union government only days ago. The agreement was intended to secure the much-needed funds that would benefit schools across the state and help address financial gaps.

CPI Raises Concerns

Despite the administrative and financial benefits, the CPI raised strong objections, arguing that the MoU was signed without adequate consultation within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) coalition or even the cabinet. The party expressed concerns that the implementation of the PM-SHRI scheme could lead to the saffronisation of education in the state, citing the influence of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which it opposes.

The CPI, which holds 16 MLAs and four ministerial positions in the LDF cabinet, insisted that any move under the PM-SHRI scheme should be carefully deliberated to protect the state’s educational autonomy and ensure that ideological concerns were addressed. The party has long been vocal against perceived central interference in Kerala’s education system.

Government Response and Cabinet Sub-Committee

In response to the CPI’s pressure, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that the state would temporarily suspend the scheme’s implementation. A seven-member cabinet sub-committee will be formed to review the scheme in detail and submit a report, after which the state will decide on its next course of action.

At a press briefing in Thiruvananthapuram, the Chief Minister said, “In the wake of the concerns and controversies around the signing of the MoU for PM-SHRI scheme, the government has decided to review it. Until the cabinet sub-committee submits the report, the Kerala government will inform the Union government that it will not proceed with the scheme.”

When questioned about why the review was initiated after signing the MoU, the Chief Minister avoided detailed explanations, stating, “Anyway, we have decided to review it. Let’s not go into other details right now.”

Deadlock Between CPI and CPI(M)

The decision reflects ongoing tensions within the LDF coalition. In recent days, several rounds of discussions between the CPI and the CPI(M), the largest partner in the LDF, failed to resolve differences over the scheme’s implementation.

The CPI held firm on its position, emphasizing ideological concerns and the lack of internal consultations. Meanwhile, the CPI(M) and state general education minister V Sivankutty argued that the state could not forgo crores of rupees in funding through the PM-SHRI scheme and the pending SSA dues, which are crucial to paying staff salaries and maintaining school operations.

On Wednesday, after assurances from the CPI(M) that the scheme would be temporarily suspended, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam declared, “This is the victory of the LDF and Left unity. It is the victory of Left ideals.”

Opposition Criticism

The opposition has criticized the Kerala government’s move, questioning its logic and timing. Leader of the Opposition, VD Satheesan, remarked that the formation of a cabinet sub-committee after signing the MoU is nonsensical, stating, “A cabinet sub-committee should have been formed before signing the MoU. What’s the relevance of the sub-committee after signing it? The CM did not even state the timeframe for the sub-committee to file its report. It is just a tactic to save the government’s face. At least the CPI must realize it. The BJP has greater hold over the government than the CPI.”

Satheesan’s comments highlight the political optics of the situation, with the opposition framing the government’s decision as a compromise under ideological pressure rather than a strategic administrative review.

Financial and Administrative Implications

The PM-SHRI scheme represents significant financial support from the central government for Kerala’s schools, including funds for infrastructure development, classroom modernization, and the upgrading of facilities to ensure better learning outcomes.

By putting the scheme on hold, the state risks delays in accessing these funds, which could affect pending SSA obligations, such as teacher salaries, maintenance of school infrastructure, and other operational costs. The decision also signals potential bureaucratic delays in implementing centrally sponsored schemes, which may have broader implications for educational planning in the state.

Political Dynamics and Coalition Management

The Kerala government’s about-turn underscores the delicate balancing act within the LDF coalition, where CPI(M) and CPI must reconcile ideological differences while governing effectively. While the CPI’s intervention emphasizes the importance of maintaining the coalition’s Left identity and resisting perceived central influence, the CPI(M) is focused on pragmatic financial considerations.

The cabinet sub-committee review is intended to bridge this gap, allowing the government to present a unified position while addressing coalition partners’ concerns. However, the lack of a clear timeline for the sub-committee’s report raises questions about the speed and effectiveness of the review process.

Conclusion

Kerala’s decision to temporarily suspend the PM-SHRI scheme highlights the interplay of ideology, politics, and governance in the state. While the scheme offers substantial funding for school infrastructure and pending SSA dues, coalition dynamics and concerns over educational policy have led to a cautious approach.

The government now faces the challenge of balancing political sensitivities with administrative efficiency, ensuring that the review process does not unduly delay access to funds that could benefit schools and students across Kerala. Meanwhile, the opposition will likely continue to scrutinize the government’s actions, framing the decision as a political compromise rather than a reasoned administrative step.

The final outcome will depend on the cabinet sub-committee’s recommendations, which will determine whether Kerala moves forward with the PM-SHRI scheme, modifies its approach, or potentially seeks further negotiations with the Union government to safeguard both financial interests and educational autonomy.