Securing Central Funds: UDF insists State cannot abandon PM SHRI scheme

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The United Democratic Front has maintained that the state government cannot back out of the memorandum of understanding signed with the Centre for the PM SHRI school modernisation scheme.

Briefing reporters after a front meeting in the capital, UDF Convener Adoor Prakash said the administration has a responsibility to secure central funds owed to the state and cannot simply abandon an agreement entered into previously.

"It is not possible to suddenly back out of an agreement signed by the previous government," Prakash said, noting that the initiative uses central allocations to upgrade school infrastructure. The state will decide which institutions come under the scheme, he added.

Prakash also announced that the UDF is setting up a sub-committee to draft a fresh liquor policy. The panel will submit its recommendations to the front within days for finalisation and subsequent action.
Separately, the UDF convener urged individuals holding official posts in local boards and corporations under Left Democratic Front administration to step down voluntarily.