8 hrs ago
Keralam to Decide PM-SHRI Implementation After Cabinet Review
Keralam is deciding whether to join a school-improvement programme called PM-SHRI.
The earlier state government agreed to the programme with the central government.
Later, some parties in that government opposed it, so the plan was paused.
A new Cabinet group is now studying what should happen.
The education minister said the government will wait for its report and does not need to decide immediately.
The BJP says the programme could bring digital learning, smart classrooms, sports facilities and teacher training.
The CPI says many people and political groups in Keralam oppose the programme.
Congress leader K C Venugopal says the earlier government had already agreed to it.
He also said education should not be used to promote Sangh Parivar ideas or change real history.
General Education Minister N Shamsudheen said Keralam will decide on PM-SHRI after a special Cabinet sub-committee submits its report.
The previous LDF government signed an agreement with the Centre but later paused implementation following opposition within the ruling front.
BJP leader R Sreelekha urged the UDF government to sign the PM-SHRI memorandum of understanding quickly, citing education and infrastructure benefits.
CPI leader K Rajan opposed implementation, warning that it would trigger widespread protests and accusing the government of disregarding public sentiment.
Congress leader K C Venugopal said the CPI and LDF had already agreed to the scheme and opposed using education to impose Sangh Parivar ideology.
- Who
- The Keralam government, General Education Minister N Shamsudheen, BJP leader R Sreelekha, CPI leader K Rajan and Congress leader K C Venugopal are central to the dispute.
- What
- The government is considering whether to implement the Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India scheme after a Cabinet sub-committee reports.
- Where
- Keralam, with the previous memorandum of understanding signed in Delhi.
- When
- The minister spoke on Sunday, September 6; the government said it would decide later after receiving the committee’s report.
- Why
- The decision is being reviewed because the previous government signed the agreement but opposition within the ruling front led to implementation being put on hold.
Supporters and Reviewers
Opponents
Whether to implement PM-SHRI
Supporters and Reviewers
BJP leader R Sreelekha urged the government to sign the memorandum of understanding quickly, while the government is reviewing the previous agreement through a Cabinet sub-committee.
Opponents
CPI leader K Rajan urged the UDF government not to implement the scheme, saying there is broad opposition in Keralam.
Educational impact
Supporters and Reviewers
Supporters say PM-SHRI could improve digital learning, smart classrooms, sports facilities and teacher training.
Opponents
Opponents fear the scheme could be used to impose Sangh Parivar agendas and distort real history through the education system.
Responsibility for the earlier agreement
Supporters and Reviewers
K C Venugopal said the previous LDF government and CPI had agreed to the scheme, questioning their authority to oppose it now.
Opponents
K Rajan said the current government should not proceed against public sentiment and warned that implementation could lead to massive protests.
Key facts
- Scheme
- Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI)
- Current status
- Implementation is on hold pending a special Cabinet sub-committee report.
- Earlier agreement
- The previous LDF government signed an agreement with the Centre to implement the scheme.
- Government position
- General Education Minister N Shamsudheen said there is no urgency to decide.
- Reported benefits
- Digital learning, smart classrooms, sports facilities and teacher training.
- Opposition
- CPI leader K Rajan said there is widespread opposition and warned of protests.
- Congress position
- K C Venugopal said Congress would oppose attempts to impose Sangh Parivar ideology through education.
Quotes
N Shamsudheen
Keralam’s General Education Minister
“As far as the students of this state are concerned, they should learn the subjects they are supposed to learn. Otherwise, if there is an attempt to impose Sangh Parivar agendas and distort real history, there is no question of allowing it.”
theprint.in
“If PM-SHRI is implemented against the public sentiment of Keralam, massive popular protests will arise. The CM of Keralam and this government will bear full responsibility for all the difficulties arising from it.”
theprint.in
Sources
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