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Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 24 (IANS) State Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Friday clarified that Kerala’s decision to sign the PM SHRI agreement was a strategic move, aimed at securing funds payable to the state, while also ensuring that Kerala’s public education policies – based on secular, democratic and scientific principles – remain unaffected.
The clarification came amid strong objections from CPI, the second largest ally in the ruling Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF government, which said the decision was not discussed within the Left Democratic Front (LDF).
“Thousands of crores of rupees of central funds meant for Kerala are being withheld, putting pressure on the state and affecting the education of our children,” Sivankutty said.
He stressed, “Kerala will not allow any action that weakens our public education system nor will we allow even a single rupee of the entitlement of our children to be lost.”
The minister said that due to the delay in signing the PM SHRI agreement, the Center had to withhold substantial funds under the Comprehensive Education Scheme.
Between 2023-24 and 2025-26, Kerala stands to lose about Rs 2,897 crore. From the new agreement, including dues and two years of PM SHRI funds, the state is expected to receive about Rs 1,476 crore, of which Rs 701 crore has already been sanctioned under the Comprehensive Education Programme.
Sivankutty said the funds will directly benefit nearly four million children, especially those from marginalized communities – including 5.61 lakh SC/ST students and 1.1 lakh children with disabilities.
The scheme will also support pre-primary education, teacher training, mid-day meals, uniforms, textbooks and other essential services under the Right to Education Act.
Responding to the criticism, the minister clarified that the signing of the PM SHRI scheme does not mean that Kerala has completely accepted the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
“Kerala implements the scheme in line with its priorities and values. Many NEP provisions – like pre-primary education, teacher empowerment, 100 per cent enrollment and three-language policy – have been part of our education model for decades,” he said.
He dismissed concerns that the move would centralize the curriculum or undermine federal principles, insisting that “Kerala alone sets its own curriculum, which emphasizes secularism, scientific thinking and constitutional values.”
Sivankutty also refuted claims that smaller schools would be closed to build the complex, saying the funds would be used to strengthen existing institutions.
On objections to the scheme being named after the Prime Minister, he said it was a technical formality which had no impact on the delivery of benefits.
“Even in challenging financial circumstances, Kerala will ensure that our children’s outstanding funds – more than Rs 1,400 crore – remain safe without compromising the integrity of our public education system,” the minister said.
–IANS
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