Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Keralam Government Delays PM-SHRI Decision Pending Cabinet Panel Report
Kerala is deciding whether to join a school improvement programme called PM-SHRI.
The earlier LDF government signed an agreement with the central government for the programme.
The plan was later paused after some members of the ruling front opposed it.
The current UDF government has created a Cabinet group to study what should happen.
Education Minister N Shamsudheen said the government will wait for that group’s report.
The BJP says the programme could bring better technology, classrooms, sports facilities and teacher training to schools.
The CPI says many people in Kerala oppose the programme and that its implementation could lead to protests.
Congress leader K C Venugopal says the earlier government had already agreed to the programme.
He also says education must not be used to promote Sangh Parivar ideas or distort history.
The Keralam government will decide on PM-SHRI only after a special Cabinet sub-committee submits its report.
The previous LDF government signed an agreement with the Centre, but implementation was later suspended amid opposition within the ruling front.
Education Minister N Shamsudheen said there was no urgency to decide, citing differences between the Centre and the state.
BJP leader R Sreelekha urged the government to sign the MoU quickly, citing digital learning, smart classrooms, sports facilities and teacher training.
CPI leader K Rajan opposed implementation, while Congress leader K C Venugopal accused the CPI and LDF of previously allowing the agreement and warned against imposing Sangh Parivar ideology.
- Who
- The Keralam government, 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 reviewing whether to implement the Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India scheme after a Cabinet sub-committee reports.
- When
- The latest statements were made on Saturday and Sunday, September 6; the government said it would decide after receiving the committee’s report.
- Where
- The dispute concerns implementation in Keralam; the earlier MoU was signed in Delhi.
- Why
- The decision is being reviewed because the previous government signed the agreement, but implementation was later put on hold following opposition within the ruling front.
Supporters and Government Reviewers
Opponents and Critics
Whether to implement PM-SHRI
Supporters and Government Reviewers
BJP leader R Sreelekha urged the Keralam government to sign the MoU at the earliest, while the government is examining the earlier agreement.
Opponents and Critics
CPI leader K Rajan urged the UDF government not to implement the scheme, saying it would override public sentiment in Keralam.
Educational impact
Supporters and Government Reviewers
Supporters say PM-SHRI could improve digital learning, smart classrooms, sports facilities and teacher training.
Opponents and Critics
Congress and CPI critics fear education could be used to impose Sangh Parivar agendas or distort real history.
Responsibility for the earlier agreement
Supporters and Government Reviewers
K C Venugopal said the previous LDF government and CPI had agreed to the scheme and questioned Rajan’s authority to oppose it now.
Opponents and Critics
Rajan said the current government should not proceed against public sentiment and warned that implementation could trigger protests.
- Scheme
- Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India, known as PM-SHRI
- Current status
- Implementation is on hold pending a special Cabinet sub-committee report.
- Previous agreement
- The previous LDF government signed an agreement with the Centre to implement the scheme.
- Government position
- Education Minister N Shamsudheen said there was no urgency to make a decision.
- Cited benefits
- Supporters cited digital learning, smart classrooms, sports facilities and teacher training.
- CPI position
- K Rajan said there was widespread opposition and warned of massive protests if the scheme proceeded.
- Congress position
- K C Venugopal said Congress would oppose attempts to impose Sangh Parivar ideology through education.
