Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Kerala CPI Secretary: PM-SHRI Row Reflects Ideological Conviction, Not Party Tussle
In Kerala, the ruling coalition partners (CPI and CPM) had a disagreement about a new government education program called PM-SHRI.
The CPI party felt they weren't asked first and that this program supports a national education plan (NEP) they don't agree with, believing it pushes a certain agenda.
However, the CPM-led government signed the agreement anyway because the central government was holding back money for schools until they did.
The CPI leader explained that this disagreement and the decision to form a special committee to look at the agreement shows that both parties are sticking to their beliefs.
He emphasized it's not a fight between the two parties but about their shared principles.
He also stated that the money Kerala is supposed to get for education is a right, not a favor from the central government.
CPI Kerala State Secretary Binoy Viswam stated the PM-SHRI row is about ideological conviction, not a dispute between CPI and CPM.
The CPM-led LDF government in Kerala signed an MoU with the Centre for the PM-SHRI scheme after initially opposing it.
The CPI had objected to the MoU due to lack of consultation and its alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP), which they view critically.
Kerala signed the MoU to secure Rs. 1150 crore in funds withheld by the Centre under the Samagra Shiksha scheme.
Viswam highlighted that the formation of a sub-committee to review the MoU demonstrates the Left parties' commitment to their ideology.
- Who
- CPI Kerala State Secretary Binoy Viswam, CPM-led LDF government in Kerala, Centre government.
- What
- A dispute within Kerala's ruling LDF coalition regarding the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the PM-SHRI school scheme. The CPI initially opposed the MoU, citing lack of consultation and ideological differences with the National Education Policy (NEP) which the scheme promotes. The CPM-led government signed the MoU to secure withheld funds from the Centre.
- When
- The MoU was signed this month. The CPI Secretary's statement was made recently.
- Where
- Kerala, India.
- Why
- The Kerala government signed the MoU to receive Rs. 1150 crore withheld by the Centre under the Samagra Shiksha scheme. The CPI opposed the move due to ideological differences with the NEP, which it believes allows the BJP/RSS to influence education, and due to a lack of prior consultation.
CPM-led LDF Government
CPI
Signing the PM-SHRI MoU
CPM-led LDF Government
Signed the MoU to secure Rs. 1150 crore in funds for Samagra Shiksha, as the Centre had withheld them.
CPI
Opposed the MoU initially, citing lack of consultation and ideological opposition to the NEP, viewing it as potentially bringing in an RSS agenda. However, a sub-committee has been formed to review it, signaling a commitment to their ideology.
Nature of the Dispute
CPM-led LDF Government
While acknowledging the CPI's concerns and forming a review committee, the ultimate goal is Left unity and adherence to Left ideology, with achievements being common to both parties.
CPI
Framed the issue as a demonstration of ideological conviction and political clarity, not a tussle between CPI and CPM, emphasizing that the review committee validates their ideological stance.
Funding from Centre
CPM-led LDF Government
The agreement was necessary to access rightful funds from the Centre for school education.
CPI
Argues that the funds are a right, not a kindness from the Centre, and their receipt is a duty of the Centre to the states.
- Scheme
- PM-SHRI Schools
- Central Policy
- National Education Policy (NEP)
- Kerala Government
- LDF (led by CPM)
- Parties Involved
- CPI, CPM
- CPI Objection
- Not consulted, goes against Left stance on NEP, NEP seen as promoting RSS agenda.
- CPM Action
- Signed MoU with Centre to implement PM-SHRI.
- Funds Withheld
- Rs. 1150 crore under Samagra Shiksha due to not signing MoU.
- CPI Secretary's Stance
- Cabinet sub-committee review shows Left parties' ideological conviction.
Sources
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"Kerala Free of Extreme Poverty" Declares CM Pinarayi Vijayan In The Assembly
BJP terms Kerala government’s ‘extreme poverty-free’ claim a big fraud
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