Union seeks Kerala's swift decision on PM SHRI school upgrade programme

The Union Education Secretary has written to Kerala's Chief Secretary seeking an early decision on the state's participation in the PM SHRI school upgrade programme, General Education Minister N Samsudheen disclosed. The letter was received two days before the minister spoke to reporters.

Samsudheen said the Centre's communication emphasises that a swift resolution is necessary for other related schemes to progress. "The letter states that a decision must be taken at the earliest so that the remaining schemes can move forward. It has been two or three days since it was received. We will discuss it in this context," he told reporters.

Decision rests with Chief Minister and UDF leadership

The minister clarified that the state government would hold discussions before arriving at a position on the scheme. "I cannot make a statement on my own. The Chief Minister, along with our UDF leadership, will decide, and the CM will make the announcement," Samsudheen said.

He acknowledged that differing views exist in Kerala regarding the PM SHRI scheme and reiterated that the government continues to harbour reservations. "Our opposition to it on behalf of the entire UDF was stated even before the elections. We still hold reservations about it today. Therefore, its details need to be examined further," he said.

Previous LDF government had signed agreement

The earlier LDF administration had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Union government to implement the PM SHRI scheme. That agreement was subsequently placed in abeyance following criticism from within the LDF itself and protests mounted by the UDF.

After assuming office, the current UDF government constituted a Cabinet subcommittee tasked with studying the matter and recommending whether Kerala should go ahead with the scheme or exit from it.

The Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India scheme is designed to upgrade 14,500 schools and is projected to benefit 1.8 million students. The programme also aims to position these schools as model institutions embodying the principles of the National Education Policy 2020.

Source: The Hindu