‘Kerala has not rolled out PM SHRI’

T’puram: Former education minister V Sivankutty accused UDF govt of misleading the public about the implementation of PM SHRI scheme, claiming that Kerala had neither implemented the programme nor received central funds under it. His remarks came a week after general education minister N Samsudheen said that govt was examining whether it could unilaterally withdraw from the scheme signed during the previous govt’s tenure. Samsudheen had also said the final decision on the matter would be taken after discussing the education secretary’s report at the next cabinet meeting.

In a social media post, Sivankutty claimed that the state exchequer financed the benefits extended to students and teachers. “Kerala hasn’t started PM SHRI project. Despite this, UDF govt is attempting to move ahead with the scheme by presenting misleading arguments,” he alleged.

Sivankutty alleged that previous LDF govt had put PM SHRI MoU on hold over concerns that the scheme was linked to the implementation of National Education Policy (NEP). “UDF is distorting facts. It held one view while it was in the opposition and another after assuming office. NEP has many valid shortcomings,” said the former minister.

Explaining the implementation process of PM SHRI, Sivankutty said it involves signing an MoU, identifying eligible schools through 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 Centre approves these schools, he added.

Kerala signed the PM SHRI MoU after Centre denied the state its rightful share of central education funds. Centre had linked the release of funds under Samagra Shiksha programme to the signing of an MoU. The then LDF govt subsequently froze the MoU, citing concerns that NEP was being used to advance BJP’s saffronization agenda. The decision was formally communicated to the Union ministry, he claimed.

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 claimed that the amount was adjusted against reimbursement dues payable to Kerala under the Right to Education Act.