After months of uncertainty and political debate, the Kerala government has finally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Government to join the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. The decision marks a significant shift in Kerala’s earlier stance, as the Left Democratic Front (LDF)–led state government had repeatedly resisted joining the scheme due to concerns related to the National Education Policy (NEP).

Officials confirmed that the signing of the MoU took place on Thursday, ending a prolonged phase of internal political disagreement and hesitation. This move now officially brings Kerala into the Central government’s flagship school development programme.

What Is the PM SHRI Schools Scheme and What Does It Offer?

The PM SHRI Schools scheme aims to transform selected schools across India into model education institutions with modern infrastructure, innovative teaching methods, and improved learning environments. Under the scheme:

• Two schools per block will be selected for development with Central assistance.
• Each selected school will receive an annual average financial assistance of ₹1 crore for five years.
• The focus is on academic excellence, digital facilities, green infrastructure, and upgraded learning systems.

By joining the scheme, Kerala is now eligible to receive substantial Central funds that can be used to improve facilities and implement technology-based learning across selected schools in the state.

What produced Kerala to Reverse Its Earlier Opposition?

Kerala’s decision to join the scheme comes after persistent internal discussions and mounting pressure to secure Central funds for the state’s education sector. V Sivankutty, the Minister for General Education and Labour, stated that the joining decision has been formally communicated to the Centre. Instructions were issued to the department’s secretary to sign the MoU on behalf of the state.

According to the minister, the decision was necessary because nearly ₹1,500 crore in Central assistance had been pending for Kerala’s educational development programmes. Joining the PM SHRI scheme was seen as the only practical way to claim this financial share.

“This was the only way to secure the Centre’s share of ₹1,500 crore, which is pending for various educational programmes in Kerala,” the minister clarified.

Why Was There Opposition to the PM SHRI Scheme in Kerala?

The controversy surrounding the scheme in Kerala stemmed from concerns raised primarily by the Communist Party of India (CPI), a key ally of the ruling LDF government. The CPI strongly objected to the scheme, warning that it could indirectly push the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in the state.

Kerala has openly rejected the NEP since its introduction, claiming it could undermine the state’s existing education model. The CPI feared that joining the PM SHRI project might make the state more vulnerable to adopting NEP guidelines in the long run.

Another major objection concerned the mandatory branding requirement for schools joining the scheme. Schools selected under the project are required to display boards identifying themselves as PM SHRI Schools, which critics argued could lead to the “centralisation of education identity” and dilute Kerala’s autonomous education branding.

How Did Political Disagreements Delay the Decision?

Although the CPI(M) and the Department of General Education were initially in favour of Kerala joining the scheme, political resistance from the CPI caused the state government to withdraw its decision twice in the past. The issue became a point of friction within the ruling alliance.

Interestingly, this latest approval was given without presenting the matter before the state Cabinet, indicating the urgency and strategic nature of the decision. The move suggests that the state leadership was keen to avoid further delays and potential loss of Central funding.

What Does This Decision Mean for Students and Schools in Kerala?

Joining the PM SHRI scheme is expected to benefit students, teachers, and schools across the state in multiple ways:

• Enhanced school infrastructure such as smart classrooms, digital facilities, laboratories, and libraries.
• Exposure to modern teaching practices, skill-based learning, and experiential education models.
• Improved learning standards, which could help Kerala maintain its high-quality education reputation at the national level.
• Access to Central educational funds that may reduce the financial burden on the state’s education budget.

Education analysts believe that if implemented effectively, the scheme could complement Kerala’s existing education framework rather than replace it.

What Happens Next?

With the signing of the MoU, Kerala will begin the process of selecting eligible schools across its blocks. These schools will then undergo development and monitoring in collaboration with the Centre. While concerns surrounding NEP influence remain, the state government has clarified that joining the scheme does not mean agreeing to implement NEP in Kerala.

The coming months will determine how the scheme is executed, how political opposition evolves, and how schools transform under this new model.

FAQs on PM SHRI Schools scheme

Why did Kerala join the PM SHRI Schools scheme?

Kerala joined the scheme mainly to secure pending Central funds worth ₹1,500 crore for educational development.

What is the PM SHRI Schools scheme?

It is a Central government initiative to develop selected schools into model institutions with modern infrastructure and improved learning facilities.

How many schools in Kerala will benefit from the scheme?

Two schools from each block in the state will be selected to receive development support under the scheme.

How much financial assistance will each PM SHRI School receive?

Each selected school will get an annual average financial support of ₹1 crore for five years.

Why was the Kerala government initially against joining the scheme?

Kerala opposed the scheme earlier as it feared it could lead to indirect implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) in the state.

Which political party opposed Kerala’s decision to join the scheme?

The Communist Party of India (CPI), a key LDF ally, strongly opposed Kerala joining the PM SHRI scheme.

Did the Kerala Cabinet approve the latest decision?

No, the decision to join the scheme was taken without placing the matter before the state Cabinet.

What concerns were raised about branding of PM SHRI Schools?

There was concern that mandatory PM SHRI branding boards could affect Kerala’s independent education identity.

Who confirmed Kerala’s decision to join the scheme?

V Sivankutty, the Minister for General Education and Labour, confirmed the decision and communication to the Centre.

Will joining the PM SHRI scheme force Kerala to implement NEP?

No, Kerala has clarified that joining the scheme does not mean it will implement the NEP in the state.