CPI ministers oppose PM-SHRI scheme in cabinet meeting

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a recent cabinet meeting, CPI ministers opposed the decision by the General Education Department to sign the PM-SHRI scheme. Although the matter was not on the meeting's agenda, the CPI ministers brought up the issue and raised their concerns. Neither the Chief Minister nor the Education Minister responded to their objections.

Revenue Minister K Rajan pointed out that joining PM-SHRI would require the full implementation of the National Education Policy in the state. CPI ministers argued that it was not appropriate for the Education Minister to express unilateral opinions on the matter without discussing it in the cabinet or within the Left Democratic Front.

Earlier, the CPI had expressed objections in the cabinet regarding the scheme, leading to its temporary withdrawal. However, the General Education Department now seems prepared to sign the project again, which goes against the CPI’s position. K. Rajan also asked whether the department had informed the central government about its decision to sign the MoU.

Before the cabinet meeting, CPI ministers had met at the residence of the party's state secretary, Binoy Viswam, to discuss the matter.

Chief Minister holds meeting CPI ministers
After the cabinet session, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a meeting with CPI ministers, including K Rajan. The main focus was to try and reach a consensus ahead of the Left Democratic Front meeting. CPI ministers reiterated their firm opposition to signing the PM-SHRI scheme and suggested following the Tamil Nadu model, which involved approaching the court to secure funds.

Later, Education Minister V Sivankutty met with media representatives but did not make further comments. He stated that both he and Binoy Viswam are communists and that he respects Binoy’s opinion.