Consensus on signing PM SHRI scheme eludes UDF govt. in Keralam
Ruling front seeking to balance scepticism among its constituents about the scheme against its monetary benefits, which envisage federal funding ranging from ₹1,400 to ₹2,000 crore for school education. Education Minister says Centre has asked the State to take a decision and the UDF should reach a consensus soon. KPCC president says UDF is awaiting the UDF-appointed Cabinet subcommittee’s report
The United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala finds itself unable to reach a consensus on the signing of the PM SHRI scheme, a politically, legally, and financially contentious matter. The BJP-led Union government has given Kerala until a certain point to decide whether to sign the scheme, which allegedly promotes a Hindu nationalist academic perspective in place of secular and broad-based studies.
General Education Minister N. Samsudheen stated that the ruling front must reach an agreement before Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan declares Keralam's course of action. KPCC president Sunny Joseph said the office-bearers' meeting on Thursday did not yield a clear course of action concerning the PM SHRI scheme. The UDF is faced with a dilemma between political skepticism within the ruling front and the scheme's monetary benefits, which could bring federal funding ranging from ₹1,400 to ₹2000 crore for school education.
Opposition parties, including the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Muslim Student Federation (MSF), have warned the government against signing the MoU, citing concerns over Hindu nationalist codes being injected into secular and progressive school education. Satheesan has hinted at legal constraints preventing Keralam from unilaterally withdrawing from the State's MoU with the Centre, despite the previous LDF dispensation signing the MoU without consultation.
The Congress appears to be waiting for a consensus to emerge before making a decision on the PM SHRI issue.
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