Kerala must sign PM SHRI scheme
Kerala's decision to sign up to the 'Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India' scheme (PM SHRI scheme) launched by the Central Government with the aim of making the country's schools exemplary is quite commendable. The people have the wisdom to recognize that the controversies and disputes arising in its name are unnecessary and a waste of time. It will be possible to get Rs 1466 crore, including the central dues of Rs 1148 crore to Samagra Shiksha Kerala by signing up to the PM SHRI scheme. The state government decided to sign the scheme, albeit late, when it was in a situation where that amount would be completely lost.
Kerala has no reason to hesitate to get its due share as a state in India. The wisdom is to get what it deserves and deserves without complaining that ‘the Centre is not giving anything…’. The CPI is not understanding that the time for ideological dogma is over. It is high time for Binoy Viswam and his comrades to think about what they are achieving by clinging to outdated positions. Is the party secretary unaware of the fact that the agriculture department handled by the CPI has received central assistance? They are opposing this project only because they are looking at everything with a political eye. The center has been withholding funds for Kerala for the last two years because the PM SHRI has not been signed. The functioning of Samagra Shiksha Kerala has also been in crisis due to non-availability of funds for children's uniforms, salaries of officials, textbooks, etc.
Kerala has so far stayed away from the scheme envisaged by the Centre for the period 2022-27. Minister V Sivankutty has said that the crores received if the scheme is implemented can be used for the progress of the education sector in the state and that PM SHRI is being signed because children should not be denied central assistance. It is expected that Binoy Viswam will take the initiative to correct his stance. Kerala has lost crores of rupees in central assistance due to its inaction from time to time. Kerala Kaumudi had earlier reported that the Rs 6054 crore that the Electricity Board was supposed to receive for the smart meter project was lost. Similarly, it is high time to examine the figures of the losses incurred on lame excuses, starting with the assistance for salary revision of college teachers, the CAPEX scheme for infrastructure development.
Pinarayi Vijayan is a State Chief Minister who is trying to seek more cooperation in the Centre-State relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also taken a liberal approach in these matters. Interpreting it as a political alliance and trying to make it controversial will ultimately not benefit Kerala. Kerala should learn from Tamil Nadu in terms of achieving what the state needs. Tamil Nadu's political leaders stand together for the development of the state regardless of party affiliation. By delaying in reaching that culture, we can only think that we are moving backwards instead of moving forward. Many of the achievements we have made today are the result of intense political struggles. However, politics should not be made a criterion for achieving the benefits the state deserves.