Published Sep 11, 2026 | 12:44 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 11, 2026 | 12:44 PM
PM SHRI. (Supplied)
Synopsis: At the Congress representatives’ meeting on Thursday, 10 September, several Congress leaders argued against the scheme, contending that it could facilitate the implementation of the Centre’s political agenda in the states. However, Chief Minister VD Satheesan is learnt to have maintained that the state cannot simply withdraw from the agreement since the previous LDF Government had already signed the MoU.
The Union government has renewed its pressure on the Kerala government to expedite the implementation of the PM SHRI scheme, with the Union Education Secretary writing to the Chief Secretary seeking early action.
This is the second communication from the Centre on the issue since the Congress-led UDF government assumed office.
The latest letter points out that Keralam has already signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the scheme and urges the state to expedite the proceedings of the Cabinet sub-committee examining its implementation.
Education Minister N. Shamsuddeen confirmed that the state received the letter two days ago. According to the Minister, the Union Education Secretary has stressed that further proceedings can move ahead only after the state takes a decision on implementation.
The issue is now set to be discussed by the UDF leadership and Chief Minister VD Satheesan, following which the government will decide its response, the minister said.
Also Read: Congress’ PM SHRI U-turn in Kerala: From ‘throw it into Arabian Sea’ to ‘we are bound by MoU’
The Centre’s renewed intervention comes amid opposition within the Congress leadership to implementing PM SHRI in Kerala.
At the Congress representatives’ meeting on Thursday, 10 September, several Congress leaders argued against the scheme, contending that it could facilitate the implementation of the Centre’s political agenda in the states.
However, Chief Minister VD Satheesan is learnt to have maintained that the state cannot simply withdraw from the agreement since the previous LDF Government had already signed the MoU.
At the same time, he has made it clear that Keralam would not compromise on the selection of schools or the curriculum.
The government is also examining the possibility of the Centre withholding other funds if Keralam refuses to implement the scheme.
A section of Congress leaders has also pointed out that PM SHRI has already been implemented in several Congress-ruled states. The state government is expected to take a final position after receiving the report of the Cabinet sub-committee.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
