BJP State leader Nainar Nagenthran has accused the DMK government of denying Tamil Nadu’s children access to quality education by refusing to join the PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) scheme launched by the Union Government. He pointed out that even the Kerala Government, led by the Left, has chosen to participate in the initiative, which aims to upgrade schools across India with better facilities and learning standards.
This issue is important because education is a key factor in shaping the future of any society. The PM SHRI scheme focuses on improving infrastructure, teaching quality, and modern learning tools, which could greatly benefit students from government schools. By staying away from this scheme, Tamil Nadu’s ruling government is facing criticism for putting political differences ahead of students’ interests. This debate has become a significant point in the ongoing discussion about education policy in the state.
What the BJP Leader Said
Speaking to the media, Nainar Nagenthran said that the DMK government was “denying free and quality education to children” by not joining the PM SHRI scheme. He compared Tamil Nadu’s stance with that of Kerala, which, despite political differences with the central government, had decided to be a part of the programme. According to him, this shows Kerala’s practical approach towards improving education for its children.
He said the Tamil Nadu government’s refusal to participate in the scheme was politically motivated and not in the best interest of students. Nagenthran argued that the PM SHRI scheme provides funding support and technical guidance from the Centre to create model schools with smart classrooms, digital learning tools, and improved teacher training.
About the PM SHRI Scheme
The PM SHRI Scheme, launched by the Union Ministry of Education, aims to upgrade 14,500 schools across India into modern, model schools showcasing the best practices of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These schools are meant to act as inspiration hubs for other institutions in their regions.
Key features of the PM SHRI scheme include:
- Modern classrooms with digital learning support
- Environment-friendly infrastructure and solar energy usage
- Training for teachers to implement NEP effectively
- Emphasis on skill development and experiential learning
By refusing to join, Tamil Nadu is missing the opportunity to access central funding and resources that could directly enhance its school education system.
Political Reactions and Public Response
The BJP has accused the DMK government of putting politics before the welfare of children. Nagenthran said that the Centre’s scheme should not be viewed as a political initiative but as a national effort to raise education standards.
Meanwhile, educationists have also pointed out that participation in such programmes could benefit both rural and urban schools in Tamil Nadu. Some believe that rejecting the scheme might slow down the state’s progress in implementing NEP-related reforms.
Why This Debate Matters
Education remains one of the most sensitive and impactful subjects in governance. With students from government schools depending on state initiatives for quality learning, such political differences can influence the lives of lakhs of children. The argument over the PM SHRI scheme is not just about funding—it reflects the broader struggle between central and state policies in education.
