Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Kerala's PM SHRI Scheme Debate Intensifies Amid Funding Confusion
The Kerala government says it has not received any money from the PM SHRI school scheme, even though the Centre said it had.
The Union Minister said the money that went to Kerala was for a different program.
The Chief Minister says the state has already used money from the scheme and wants to keep it.
The opposition says Kerala was never forced to use the scheme and calls the decision a surrender.
The ruling coalition is split, with some members not speaking up.
The debate is about whether Kerala should keep the scheme and how it will be run.
Kerala government claims no PM SHRI funds reached its schools, citing Centre's clarification.
Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary said the Rs 99.27 crore released to Kerala was RTE via Samagra Shiksha, not PM SHRI.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan defended continuation of the scheme, citing MoU and Rs 99 crore already used.
Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan calls the decision a "shameful surrender" and argues Kerala was not bound to implement.
The UDF coalition remains divided, with the Indian Union Muslim League silent on the issue.
- Who
- Kerala government, Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan
- What
- Debate over implementation and funding of the PM SHRI school scheme
- When
- May 2026
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- Political pressure over the scheme’s implementation and financial commitments
- Scheme
- PM SHRI
- Funding claimed by Kerala
- Rs 99.27 crore
- Funding actually released
- Rs 99.27 crore (RTE via Samagra Shiksha)
- Key officials
- V.D. Satheesan, Jayant Chaudhary, Pinarayi Vijayan
- Political stance
- Government to continue under negotiated conditions