Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Centre Urges Kerala to Decide on PM SHRI Scheme
The Union government has asked Kerala to quickly decide whether it will take part in the PM SHRI school scheme.
Kerala received the request a few days ago.
State ministers will discuss the matter before making a decision.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the UDF leadership are expected to announce the final position.
The UDF has said it has concerns about the scheme.
The previous LDF government had signed an agreement to implement it.
That agreement was later put on hold after criticism and protests.
The scheme is designed to improve 14,500 schools and help about 1.8 million students.
It also seeks to make the schools models for the National Education Policy 2020.
The Union education secretary has asked Kerala to decide on implementing the PM SHRI scheme at the earliest.
General Education Minister N Samsudheen said the state government received the letter two or three days ago.
Kerala’s government will discuss the scheme before announcing its position, with the chief minister and UDF leadership expected to decide.
The UDF has longstanding reservations about PM SHRI, while the previous LDF government had signed an implementation memorandum with the Centre.
PM SHRI aims to upgrade 14,500 schools, benefit 1.8 million students and develop model institutions aligned with NEP 2020.
- Who
- The Union government and the Kerala government are deciding on PM SHRI, with General Education Minister N Samsudheen discussing the matter.
- What
- The Centre has asked Kerala to decide at the earliest whether to implement the PM SHRI school scheme.
- When
- The letter was received two or three days before Samsudheen’s statement on Friday.
- Where
- Kerala, with the issue being handled by the state government in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Why
- The Centre said an early decision was needed so that the remaining schemes could move forward; Kerala says the scheme requires further examination because of its reservations.
Kerala Government and UDF Reservations
Union Government’s Implementation Request
Need for an immediate decision
Kerala Government and UDF Reservations
Kerala says the scheme’s details and implications need further examination before it takes a position.
Union Government’s Implementation Request
The Union education secretary has asked Kerala to decide at the earliest so that remaining schemes can move forward.
Political position on PM SHRI
Kerala Government and UDF Reservations
The UDF has opposed or expressed reservations about the scheme, and the agreement signed by the previous LDF government was kept in abeyance after criticism and protests.
Union Government’s Implementation Request
The Centre is seeking implementation of PM SHRI in Kerala, which is intended to upgrade schools and create model institutions aligned with NEP 2020.
- Scheme
- Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI)
- Centre’s request
- Kerala should decide on implementation at the earliest.
- State response
- The government will discuss the matter before announcing its position.
- Previous agreement
- The previous LDF government signed an MoU with the Union government, but it was later kept in abeyance.
- Schools targeted
- 14,500 schools
- Expected students benefited
- 1.8 million students
- Policy alignment
- The scheme aims to reflect the National Education Policy 2020.