PM SHRI scheme puts UDF government in dilemma as Congress and League take different stands

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The UDF government is facing confusion over what decision to take on the PM SHRI scheme, which was used by the opposition to target the previous LDF government during the last election. A difference of opinion has emerged within the UDF after Muslim League leader and minister P.K. Kunhalikutty rejected UDF convenor Adoor Prakash's statement that the government would have to move ahead with implementing the scheme. Sensing the political risk, Adoor Prakash later said that further action would be taken only after receiving the report of the subcommittee.

The League ministers are also under pressure as they cannot ignore the opposition within their own party. Former Education Minister V. Sivankutty intensified the political debate by alleging that the UDF is now supporting the Sangh Parivar agenda after abandoning the objections it had raised while in opposition.

After the first UDF meeting held following the new government's formation, UDF convenor Adoor Prakash had told reporters on Thursday that the government would move forward with the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme. He had also said that the UDF would take a final decision after considering the opinion of the cabinet subcommittee. However, Minister P.K. Kunhalikutty said on Friday that no final decision had been taken. He said the issue was not discussed in the UDF meeting and that there was a common opinion within the alliance on the matter. This has raised questions over how the convenor commented on the issue just hours after the UDF meeting, even though the matter was reportedly not discussed there.

According to the League's stand, Forward Bloc leader Devrajan had raised some points during the UDF meeting, but the Chief Minister did not announce any final decision. However, neither the Education Minister nor anyone else has said that the scheme will not be implemented. The opposition is attempting to use Union Minister of State Jayant Chaudhary’s reply to MP Abdul Wahab- stating that states can withdraw from the PM SHRI scheme- as a weapon against the government.

Centre's reply creates trouble

The Centre said that states have complete freedom to decide whether to sign the agreement or withdraw from the scheme. However, states that do not sign or withdraw will lose the benefits under the scheme. The Centre also informed that Kerala has not submitted the list of schools after signing the Memorandum of Understanding and that no funds have been allocated to Kerala under PM SHRI.
- Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Education
(Reply given in writing to MP P.V. Abdul Wahab)

The Centre also informed that if the PM SHRI scheme is implemented, the power of states in deciding school curriculum would be limited. However, PM SHRI schools with state board recognition can follow the state syllabus, provided its structure aligns with the National Education Policy 2020.
- Reply given by the Union Minister to MP V. Sivadasan

Kunhalikutty says subcommittee will decide

P.K. Kunhalikutty said that the UDF has not taken a final decision on implementing the PM SHRI scheme. He said the final decision will be taken after the cabinet subcommittee examines the matter. He said the subcommittee will look into the complications and technical issues involved in withdrawing from the agreement signed during the previous government. After the report is submitted, the government and the UDF will discuss the issue and take a final stand, he said. Kunhalikutty added that the Congress, Muslim League and the UDF have a common opinion on the PM SHRI scheme.

Adoor Prakash: PM SHRI not discussed in UDF meeting

UDF convenor Adoor Prakash said the PM SHRI scheme was not discussed in the UDF meeting. He clarified that it was not decided that the government would proceed with the scheme. He said the matter would be discussed within the UDF and a decision would be taken later. He added that there was no disagreement during the UDF meeting and a subcommittee was formed to study the issue. He said the state government has differences of opinion with the Centre on several matters and blamed the previous LDF government for signing the agreement.