Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty has defended the state government’s decision to sign the PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) scheme, calling it a “strategic step” to ensure the flow of central funds to schools without compromising Kerala’s education policies. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Sivankutty clarified that the decision was taken to prevent the Centre from withholding “thousands of crores meant for children’s education” under the centrally sponsored schemes.
I wanted to cover this story because it highlights a significant shift in Kerala’s education policy approach. For months, there had been debates about whether Kerala should align with centrally funded education schemes like PM SHRI. The government’s decision now signals a pragmatic move—balancing financial necessity with the state’s long-standing commitment to inclusive and decentralised education. Understanding this issue is important, as it reflects how education funding and political cooperation between the Centre and states directly affect students, teachers, and schools at the grassroots level.
Kerala’s Decision and Its Rationale
Addressing the media in Thiruvananthapuram, Minister Sivankutty stated that Kerala had no option but to sign the PM SHRI memorandum to ensure that central education funds were not blocked. He explained that the state’s aim was not to surrender its education autonomy but to safeguard its financial rights under national education programmes.
Sivankutty added, “We have signed the scheme with the clear understanding that Kerala’s education model and policies will remain unchanged. This was a strategic step to secure the funds our schools rightfully deserve.”
The PM SHRI scheme, launched by the central government, aims to develop selected schools across the country as model institutions showcasing all components of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. However, several states, including Kerala, had earlier expressed reservations about certain aspects of the NEP, leading to initial hesitation in joining the scheme.
Balancing Policy Autonomy and Federal Cooperation
Kerala’s education system has long been recognised for its strong public-school network, teacher training, and community participation. The state government had earlier expressed concerns that joining the PM SHRI scheme might force states to adopt elements of the NEP that they did not fully agree with.
However, after discussions with the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and the Ministry of Education, Kerala decided to sign the agreement while ensuring safeguards for its existing education structure. According to government sources, the move was necessary to prevent disruption in the flow of central funds for educational development projects and teacher training programmes.
What the PM SHRI Scheme Offers
Under the PM SHRI scheme, the central government plans to upgrade more than 14,500 schools across India into model institutions. These schools will focus on innovative teaching methods, experiential learning, modern infrastructure, and digital education. Each state that signs the agreement becomes eligible for funds to improve school infrastructure, teacher quality, and student learning outcomes.
For Kerala, signing the agreement could mean:
- Access to additional funds for modernising schools and classrooms
- Enhanced teacher training and digital education initiatives
- Development of model schools showcasing Kerala’s best practices
- Continued participation in central educational planning without policy compromise
Opposition’s Reaction
While the state government maintains that the move is purely strategic, opposition parties have raised concerns that it could lead to indirect implementation of NEP 2020, which Kerala has previously rejected. Critics argue that the state should have sought stronger guarantees before signing the agreement.
However, the Education Minister reiterated that Kerala’s curriculum and education model would remain independent, and that no changes would be made without state-level policy approval.
