Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 15 Keralam cannot unilaterally withdraw from the Centre’s PM-SHRI scheme as the MoU signed by the previous LDF government does not provide for such an exit, General Education Minister N Samsudheen told the state Assembly on Thursday.
He said the government would decide its future course of action after receiving a sub-committee report.
Replying during the Question Hour, Samsudheen said the MoU stipulated that any amendment or change to its provisions would require mutual consent, with the Centre retaining the relevant authority under the agreement.
Despite repeated questions from Opposition members, the minister did not give a clear answer on whether the government would approach a court to challenge the MoU or seek the release of funds withheld by the Centre under centrally sponsored schemes.
He said a Cabinet sub-committee constituted to examine the issue had met twice and discussed the matter in detail. Its report was yet to be finalised, and further decisions would be taken after it was submitted.
The minister said the present government was facing a difficult situation because the previous LDF government had agreed to implement the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme and signed the MoU in October 2025.
Samsudheen reiterated the state’s position that public schools in Keralam could not teach a curriculum other than the one prescribed by the state.
The minister said the government was examining its options on whether to approach the Supreme Court or another appropriate court over the withholding of funds due to the state under centrally sponsored schemes, including Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK).
Responding to suggestions from Opposition members that legal action should be initiated, he said the government was still considering the matter.
“What we should do in the future regarding this, what stand should be taken in this matter — we are only sitting to decide that. Here, you give suggestions and tell us to file a case; we will examine it,” he said.
Referring to Tamil Nadu’s legal challenge, Samsudheen questioned the Opposition’s suggestion that Keralam should also approach the court.
The minister said the state had already informed the Union Education Minister that funds due under SSK and other centrally sponsored schemes were the right of children in Keralam and should not be linked to the PM-SHRI scheme.
“This money due for SSK, and the money due for other centrally sponsored schemes, is the right of the children of this state. Therefore, as part of a federal system, it is our right, and it must be given to us,” he said.
The question also referred to Punjab, which signed an MoU for the PM SHRI scheme in October 2022 and selected 241 schools. The state withdrew from the scheme in July 2023, but decided to resume its implementation on July 26, 2024.
According to the figures cited in the Assembly, the scheme is now being implemented in 419 schools in Punjab.
The members also pointed out that, except Tamil Nadu, all states had signed the MoU for the scheme and asked whether Keralam could reconsider its position in view of the changes made by Punjab and other states.
The Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme targets upgrading 14,500 schools and is expected to benefit 1.8 million students.
It also aims to ensure these schools serve as model institutes and encapsulate the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
(PTI News)
