In a significant policy reversal, the CPI (M)-led Kerala government has signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to join the Centre’s flagship Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme.
The move comes after months of resistance, during which the state accused the Central Government of using the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to push an ideological agenda and “saffronise” the education system.
Kerala’s participation now paves the way for the modernisation of 260 to 336 schools in the state, which will be upgraded as PM SHRI model institutions.
From Resistance to Acceptance
For nearly a year, Kerala refused to sign the MoU required to access PM SHRI funds, arguing that the scheme—deeply aligned with NEP 2020—would compromise the state’s educational autonomy.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier described NEP as “a danger to the nation”, and Education Minister V Sivankutty had warned of potential “central interference” in curriculum decisions.
However, the Centre responded by withholding over Rs 1,000 crore in education funding, particularly under the Samagra Shiksha scheme—an umbrella programme that supports school education in states and union territories. This financial pressure ultimately forced Kerala to revisit its stance.
On October 19, Sivankutty announced the U-turn, and said, “Funds worth Rs 1,466 crore belong to our children. Many of our education expenses—teacher salaries, student grants—depend on this support. The Centre’s funds belong to every citizen of the country.”
He added that the state would adopt a “practical approach” going forward.
Mounting Pressure from Students, ABVP
One of the key factors behind the policy shift was the sustained campaign by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)—the student wing of the BJP—which spearheaded a statewide movement demanding Kerala’s inclusion in the PM SHRI scheme.
The ABVP conducted rallies, submitted memoranda, and organised protests, accusing the Left government of letting ideology obstruct student welfare.
ABVP’s Kerala State Secretary, EU Eswaraprasad, hailed the move as a “victory for students.”
He added, “Around 336 schools in Kerala will now meet standards comparable to Kendriya Vidyalayas.”
Central Government Holds Firm
The Centre maintained that states would need to comply with NEP-linked reforms and sign the PM SHRI MoU to receive funds under both Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI.
Of India’s 36 states and union territories, 33 had already signed the MoU. Only Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal held out.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had clarified in Parliament that education is a subject under the Concurrent List, and the release of funds is conditional on states fulfilling criteria such as matching contributions, audited accounts, and utilisation certificates.
Pradhan also reaffirmed that alignment with NEP 2020 is central to the Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI frameworks.
States like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, which complied with the MoU, continued to receive significant allocations— Rs 6,264 crore and Rs 3,434 crore respectively—while Kerala and others received none in 2024–25.
Political Posturing vs Governance Reality
While leaders like CPI MP Binoy Viswam continued to label the NEP as “RSS-driven”, the state government ultimately conceded that refusing central funds was unsustainable.
Education Minister Sivankutty stated that the state would preserve its educational values while benefiting from national funding.
The funds will support critical areas such as textbook printing, student scholarships, exam administration, hostels for SC/ST students, and inclusive education.
Earlier attempts to forge a common front with Tamil Nadu against NEP—including threats of legal action—did not gain traction, further isolating Kerala in its stance.
Kerala’s Past Claim of Already Meeting PM SHRI Goals
Ironically, even while rejecting the scheme, Kerala had often showcased its own achievements—such as over 40,000 smart classrooms and wide broadband coverage—as examples of NEP-aligned development.
However, without formal participation in PM SHRI, the state remained cut off from additional funds for training, digital infrastructure, and capacity building.
About the PM SHRI Scheme
Launched in 2022, Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) is a Central Government initiative aimed at transforming 14,500 existing government and government-aided schools into model institutions across India.
Each PM SHRI school is expected to demonstrate best practices in infrastructure, pedagogy, digital learning, and NEP 2020 implementation.
The scheme follows a 60:40 funding pattern between the Centre and states. Every selected school is eligible to receive up to Rs 1 crore annually for five years, covering physical upgrades, smart classrooms, teacher training, and learning outcomes.
The total financial outlay of the programme is approximately Rs 27,000 crore, making it one of India’s most ambitious educational reforms in recent years.
Kerala’s eventual decision to join PM SHRI reflects a shift from ideological resistance to administrative pragmatism.
While political leaders may continue to voice reservations about NEP 2020, the move signals a broader recognition that development cannot be sacrificed at the altar of political posturing, especially when the stakes involve the future of students and educators alike.
