Kerala has decided to join the Union government’s Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme, marking a pragmatic move to secure long-pending central funds. Announcing the decision, Education Minister V. Sivankutty confirmed that the state will participate in the initiative to access nearly ₹1,466 crore in educational grants that had been withheld due to non-participation.
While emphasizing that the state’s core education values will remain untouched, Sivankutty clarified that joining PM SHRI “does not mean rolling back Kerala’s independent education policy.” The decision comes after years of hesitation, as the state had previously rejected the scheme, citing concerns that it might introduce the National Education Policy (NEP) and lead to “branding” of schools under the Centre’s framework.
The move has triggered debate within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), with coalition partner CPI expressing reservations that the step could dilute Kerala’s autonomy in education. However, the government maintains that it is a practical measure to ensure that students and teachers benefit from funds rightfully due to them.
Under the PM SHRI initiative, selected schools across the country receive central assistance to upgrade infrastructure, improve teaching quality, and enhance learning outcomes. Kerala’s Education Department has now directed officials to sign an MoU with the Union Education Ministry to formalize the partnership.
Experts view the decision as a strategic balance between ideology and necessity — a recognition that securing central funds can go hand in hand with preserving Kerala’s unique education model.
