Thiruvananthapuram, June 6:
The Kerala government has not taken a final decision on the implementation of the Centre’s PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme and will undertake detailed consultations within the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF) before arriving at a conclusion, State Education Minister N. Shamsudheen said on Saturday.
Addressing reporters, the minister said the issue was not being treated as an urgent matter and that the government would carefully evaluate all aspects of the scheme, including its educational, administrative and financial implications. A report submitted by the Director of General Education has already been received and will be examined as part of the decision-making process, he said.
Shamsudheen pointed out that the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union Government for the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme. While the agreement resulted in the release of certain central funds, the process was subsequently stalled amid political controversy and differences within the then ruling coalition.
The minister said the government would also seek legal opinion on whether Kerala could unilaterally withdraw from the agreement. He reiterated concerns raised by sections of the ruling alliance over conditions attached to central funding for education.
According to the minister, the state believes that financial assistance from the Centre should not come with provisions that could affect the autonomy of states in framing and implementing educational policies. He stressed that education is a fundamental right and that access to quality schooling should remain the primary consideration.
Meanwhile, sources in the Education Department indicated that the Director of General Education has recommended proceeding with the PM SHRI scheme. The report is understood to have stated that participation in the programme would not require Kerala to alter its existing education policy and could help ensure the uninterrupted flow of Samagra Shiksha funds from the Centre.
The PM SHRI agreement has remained politically contentious after allegations that the MoU was signed by the previous government in October 2025 without prior approval from either the Cabinet or the ruling front, triggering a debate that continues to influence discussions on the scheme.
