Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Sivankutty accuses UDF govt of aiding ‘saffronisation’ of education
A former minister in Kerala, V Sivankutty, has accused the current UDF government of helping to change the education system in a way that supports a specific political agenda, known as 'saffronisation'.
He is against a scheme called PM SHRI, which the Centre wants to implement.
He says the scheme is not good for Kerala's schools and that the Centre is withholding funds to pressure the state into accepting the National Education Policy (NEP).
The UDF government is looking into the scheme but says the Centre cannot control Kerala's curriculum decisions.
V Sivankutty accused the UDF government of facilitating 'saffronisation' of education through the PM SHRI scheme.
He alleged that the Centre is withholding Rs 1,158 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme to pressure Kerala into implementing the NEP.
The UDF government has formed a cabinet sub-committee to examine the PM SHRI scheme.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan stated that the Centre cannot interfere with Kerala's curriculum decisions.
Sivankutty urged the government to abandon the PM SHRI scheme, alleging it benefits only 265 schools and has limited financial allocation.
- Who
- V Sivankutty, former Kerala general education minister and CPI(M) leader
- What
- Accusation of 'saffronisation' of education through PM SHRI scheme
- When
- July 22
- Where
- Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Why
- Alleged link to Sangh Parivar’s agenda and pressure from the Centre to implement NEP
CPI(M) and LDF Government
UDF Government and Centre
Implementation of PM SHRI Scheme
CPI(M) and LDF Government
The CPI(M) leader and former LDF government opposed the PM SHRI scheme, alleging it aids 'saffronisation' of education and is linked to the Sangh Parivar’s agenda. They urged the UDF government to abandon the scheme.
UDF Government and Centre
The UDF government, through a cabinet sub-committee, is examining the PM SHRI scheme and has stated that the Centre cannot interfere with the state’s freedom to decide its curriculum.
Funding and NEP Implementation
CPI(M) and LDF Government
Sivankutty alleged that the Centre is withholding Rs 1,158 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme and linking the release of funds to the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP).
UDF Government and Centre
The UDF government has not explicitly denied the allegations but is examining the scheme's implementation.
- Scheme in Question
- PM SHRI
- Alleged Agenda
- Saffronisation of education
- Funds Withheld
- Rs 1,158 crore under Samagra Shiksha scheme
- Cabinet Sub-Committee Members
- N Samsudheen, Roji M John, P C Vishnunadh, M Liju
- Chief Minister
- V D Satheesan
- Former Minister
- V Sivankutty