Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Kerala Coalition Partners Clash Over PM SHRI Scheme Withdrawal
In Kerala, two main political parties that work together, the CPM and CPI, are arguing about a school program from the national government called PM SHRI.
The CPM's Education Minister is worried that by stopping their agreement to use this program, Kerala might lose a lot of money, about 15,000 crore rupees, meant for another important school program called SSK.
He believes the state has a right to this money and he won't be responsible if it's not given.
The CPI, however, is celebrating the decision, calling it a win for their political beliefs.
They think the PM SHRI program is trying to push a certain agenda and give the national government too much power.
The CPI leader says that if the money is withheld, they should fight back legally and politically, and he's surprised the minister is so upset.
Kerala's CPM-led government is experiencing internal conflict with its coalition partner, the CPI, over the withdrawal from the PM SHRI scheme.
Education Minister V Sivankutty warns that the state could risk losing Rs 15,000 crore in Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) funds due to the withdrawal, stating he won't be responsible for such a loss.
CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam describes the withdrawal as a political victory for the Left and an opposition to the RSS's educational agenda.
Viswam suggests that PM SHRI and SSK are distinct, asserting Kerala's rightful claim to SSK funds and vowing to challenge any central government attempt to withhold them legally and politically.
The dispute highlights a significant disagreement within the ruling coalition regarding national education policies and the handling of central funding.
- Who
- Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty (CPM) and CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam (CPI)
- What
- A public dispute between ruling coalition partners CPM and CPI over the Kerala government's withdrawal from the PM SHRI school scheme.
- When
- Ongoing, with recent statements following the government's communication to the Centre about freezing the MoU.
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- Disagreement over whether the withdrawal is a political victory for Left ideology against perceived RSS influence, or a risky move that jeopardizes substantial central funding for education.
CPI (Communist Party of India)
CPM (Communist Party of India (Marxist)) / Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty
Nature of Withdrawal
CPI (Communist Party of India)
Withdrawal from PM SHRI is a political victory for the Left and a stand against the RSS's educational agenda, potentially preventing 'saffronisation' and central control.
CPM (Communist Party of India (Marxist)) / Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty
The decision to withdraw is about securing constitutionally guaranteed central funds without compromising Kerala's education system, not a political victory. Funds are a right, not a favor.
Financial Responsibility and Funds
CPI (Communist Party of India)
PM SHRI and SSK are different. Kerala has a right to SSK funds, and any attempt by the Centre to withhold them should be challenged legally and politically. Questions the minister's stance on responsibility.
CPM (Communist Party of India (Marxist)) / Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty
Withdrawal risks losing access to Rs 15,000 crore in SSK funds. If SSK funds are not provided, the minister will not take responsibility, implying those willing can step forward.
Inter-party Relations and Provocation
CPI (Communist Party of India)
Expresses surprise at the Education Minister's anger, suggesting CPM leaders M A Baby and M V Govindan are better suited to explain the Left's perspective to him. Stands by political convictions.
CPM (Communist Party of India (Marxist)) / Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty
Strongly objects to the CPI's claim of a political victory, stating the party does not need lessons in 'Left politics' from the CPI.
- Scheme Name
- PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India)
- State
- Kerala
- Government Coalition
- LDF (Left Democratic Front)
- Key Parties Involved
- CPM (leading party) and CPI (coalition partner)
- Action Taken
- Kerala government communicated its decision to freeze the MoU for the PM SHRI scheme to the central government.
- CPM Concern
- Withdrawal could risk losing access to Rs 15,000 crore in Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) funds. Minister will not take responsibility if funds are withheld.
- CPI Stance
- Views withdrawal as a political victory for the Left and against RSS agenda. Believes SSK funds are a right and any withholding should be challenged legally and politically.
- Fund Amount at Risk
- Rs 15,000 crore in SSK funds
Sources
Kerala sends letter to Centre to halt steps under PM SHRI scheme
Finally, Kerala writes to Centre seeking to halt PM SHRI scheme’s implementation
PM SHRI: Kerala Government Writes to Centre to Freeze Implementation of Scheme in State
PM SHRI row deepens in Kerala even after scheme's withdrawal
Row in Kerala’s Left over PM SHRI deepens, CPM minister says ‘don’t hold me responsible if Centre doesn’t release funds’
