Kerala Halts Implementation of PM SHRI Scheme, Orders Comprehensive Review

The Kerala government has suspended the implementation of the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. The state has also announced a fresh review of the agreement signed with the Union government.

Chief Minister Announces Reassessment

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Tuesday that the state would re-examine the implications of joining the scheme before proceeding further. Addressing a press conference, Vijayan confirmed the formation of a seven-member cabinet sub-committee tasked with studying the matter and submitting a detailed report.

Panel Members

The sub-committee will be chaired by General Education Minister V. Sivankutty and includes the following ministers:

• K Rajan – Minister for Revenue and Housing
• Roshi Augustin – Minister for Public Works
• P Rajeev – Minister for Law and Industries
• P Prasad – Minister for Agriculture
• K Krishnankutty – Minister for Electricity
• A K Saseendran – Minister for Forest and Wildlife

The Chief Minister stated that the committee’s findings will shape the state’s final stance, which will then be formally communicated to the Union government through written correspondence.

Background: Tensions Over NEP 2020

This decision comes just weeks after Kerala signed the PM SHRI Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) following prolonged resistance to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The state has consistently opposed the NEP, arguing that it promotes centralisation and undermines the federal structure of education governance. 

The earlier signing of the MoU was viewed as a strategic compromise, reportedly influenced by the Centre’s withholding of ₹1,158 crore in Samagra Shiksha funds over 3 fiscal years due to Kerala’s non-participation in the scheme. 

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