Kerala Puts PM SHRI Scheme on Hold Amid CPI Objections

The Kerala government has suspended the rollout of the PM SHRI Scheme—a Union government initiative to upgrade schools under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020—following objections from its ally, the Communist Party of India (CPI).

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that a seven-member cabinet sub-committee, headed by Education Minister V. Sivankutty, will review the scheme’s implementation. “All further proceedings under the scheme will remain suspended until the panel submits its report,” he said.

The CPI raised ideological concerns, alleging that the PM SHRI framework could promote the “RSS agenda” in Kerala’s education system. While the state government rejected this claim, it has chosen to pause implementation for now.

Analysts say the controversy highlights a broader federal tension between the Union and state governments. Critics argue that centrally sponsored schemes like PM SHRI reflect a techno-financial centralisation, requiring states to sign memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and align with Union conditions before receiving funds.

Kerala has previously accused the Centre of withholding Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds pending its approval of the PM SHRI MoU. The issue, which has also arisen in other states, has reportedly reached the Supreme Court.

Although Kerala has not withdrawn from the MoU, its review could set a precedent for greater state-level scrutiny of centrally sponsored schemes and the future of cooperative federalism in India.