Centre writes to state seeking speedy implementation of PM SHRI scheme

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The central government has written to the Kerala government urging them to expedite the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme. The union education secretary has once again written to the state chief secretary in this regard. This is the second time the Centre has written to the UDF government regarding the scheme. Education Minister N Shamsuddeen confirmed that the letter was received two days ago.

The letter states that Kerala has already signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the PM SHRI scheme and calls for speeding up the proceedings of the cabinet subcommittee. The education minister said the chief minister and the UDF leadership would discuss the matter and decide what action should be taken in response to the letter.

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi had pointed the other day that Kerala was also facing a situation in which it was not receiving other funds from the Union Education Ministry because of its failure to implement the PM SHRI scheme. He made the remarks during a meeting with BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar.

Meantime, Chief Minister V D Satheesan had said the other day that the government would inform the public once a decision was taken on PM SHRI. A cabinet subcommittee has already been appointed and a meeting was convened. The chief minister also dismissed reports that discussions on implementing PM SHRI had taken place during his meeting with Rahul Gandhi, calling them news made out of thin air. He clarified that the issue had not been discussed at all.