Kerala Forms Ministerial Panel to Shape Stand on PM SHRI Scheme
The Kerala government has taken a significant step in addressing the Centre’s PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) initiative by forming a four-member cabinet sub-committee. The panel has been tasked with reviewing the scheme and determining the state’s official position, which will subsequently be communicated to the central government.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced this decision following a cabinet meeting held on Wednesday. He emphasised that the state holds firm views regarding the scheme’s implementation, particularly concerning curriculum autonomy and the selection process for schools.
Members of the Sub-Committee
The newly constituted sub-committee comprises the following four ministers:
- Minister N Samsuddeen
- Roshy M John
- P C Vishnunadh
- M Liju
This team will examine various dimensions of the PM SHRI scheme, evaluate its implications for the state, and formulate a clear stance that reflects Kerala’s interests and concerns.
State’s Stand on Curriculum and School Selection
Chief Minister Satheesan articulated the government’s position clearly, stating that the central government cannot interfere with the state’s authority over curriculum-related decisions. He stressed that states must retain their autonomy in educational matters, and this principle should be respected in all circumstances.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister asserted that the right to select which schools will be included under the scheme should rest with the state government. This, he argued, is essential to ensure that the initiative aligns with Kerala’s educational priorities and local requirements.
Financial Assistance Received by Kerala
Providing details on the financial aspect, the Chief Minister revealed that Kerala has received ₹99 crore under the PM SHRI scheme. The central government had sanctioned a total of ₹106 crore for the state under this initiative.
Satheesan also referenced the previous government’s role in this matter, noting that the earlier administration had signed an agreement with the Centre to implement the scheme and had accepted the associated funds.
“The agreement to implement the scheme was made by the previous government, and it also accepted the funding,” the Chief Minister explained. “Therefore, we are now obligated to proceed with the scheme.”
Understanding the PM SHRI Scheme
The PM SHRI initiative is a centrally sponsored programme designed to transform selected government schools across the country into model institutions. The scheme aims to upgrade these schools with modern facilities, improved infrastructure, and teaching methodologies aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
However, the Kerala government maintains that while the scheme’s objectives are commendable, its execution must respect the constitutional rights of states. The state has consistently emphasised that educational policy decisions should not undermine the federal structure, and the implementation process must honour the autonomy granted to states in educational governance.
The formation of this sub-committee signals Kerala’s intent to engage constructively with the central government while safeguarding its position on educational sovereignty. The panel’s recommendations are expected to provide a balanced approach that addresses both the state’s concerns and its obligations under the previously signed agreement.
As the sub-committee begins its work, all eyes will be on how Kerala navigates this delicate balance between central directives and state autonomy in the education sector. The outcome could set a precedent for how other states engage with centrally sponsored educational schemes in the future.
