In a significant policy turnaround, the Kerala government has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central government to join the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. The decision, confirmed by state officials, comes after months of political deliberation and ideological debate within the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.
Initially, Kerala had opposed the PM SHRI scheme, citing fears that participation might lead to the indirect implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in the state — a policy the LDF had firmly rejected. However, in a move reflecting administrative pragmatism, the government has decided to proceed, setting aside objections raised by its coalition partner, the Communist Party of India (CPI).
Central Aid for School Development
The PM SHRI scheme, launched by the Union Ministry of Education, aims to upgrade two schools in every block across India into “model schools” showcasing best practices in infrastructure, pedagogy, and inclusivity. Each selected institution will receive an average financial assistance of ₹1 crore per year for five years, directly benefiting thousands of students.
Kerala’s Minister for General Education and Labour, V Sivankutty, confirmed that the decision to join the scheme has been formally communicated to the Centre. “The department secretary has been instructed to sign the agreement. This was the only way to secure the Centre’s pending share of ₹1,500 crore for various educational projects in the state,” Sivankutty said.
The funds will be used for upgrading classrooms, digital learning facilities, laboratories, libraries, and eco-friendly school infrastructure, aligning with Kerala’s vision for equitable and modern education.
Political Debate and Internal Differences
Kerala’s decision follows months of internal disagreements within the ruling coalition. Both the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] and the Department of General Education had earlier expressed support for joining the scheme. However, pressure from the CPI — a key LDF ally — led to the reversal of the decision twice in the past year.
The CPI argued that participation in PM SHRI could open the door for NEP 2020’s implementation in the state, which the Left bloc has long opposed, calling it “centralised and commercialised.” Concerns were also raised about the Centre’s directive to display boards identifying the selected schools as “PM SHRI Schools,” which some viewed as a step towards policy branding and central control.
Despite these concerns, the government decided to move forward without placing the matter before the state Cabinet, prioritising financial necessity and educational advancement over ideological reservations.
A Strategic Turn in Education Policy
By joining the PM SHRI scheme, Kerala not only secures significant central funding but also gains the opportunity to enhance public school infrastructure across all districts. The move signifies a strategic shift in the state’s approach — balancing federal cooperation with state autonomy.
While the decision remains politically sensitive, it is expected to directly benefit students through modern classrooms, improved facilities, and stronger learning environments. Education experts view this as a pragmatic step forward, one that could bridge political divides in pursuit of quality education for all.
As Kerala moves ahead under the PM SHRI framework, the focus now shifts to implementation efficiency, ensuring that the scheme strengthens the state’s long-standing reputation for educational excellence while maintaining its independent policy identity.
