Context:
• The Kerala government has reversed its earlier stance and decided to implement the PM Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme, after initially opposing it on grounds of federal and funding concerns.
• The decision has triggered political friction within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), particularly with opposition from the Communist Party of India (CPI).
Key Highlights:
- Kerala’s Policy Reversal and Political Response
- The Kerala Education Department, led by Minister V. Sivankutty, confirmed participation in the PM-SHRI scheme, citing a potential loss of ₹1,500 crore in central assistance if the state abstained.
- The move marks a policy U-turn, as Kerala had previously joined Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in rejecting the scheme, arguing it imposed the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 through central directives.
- The decision has caused internal dissent within the LDF, with the CPI criticizing the acceptance as a compromise on federal autonomy in education policy.
- Overview of the PM-SHRI Scheme
- Launched: 2022 by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
- Objective: Develop 14,500 schools across India into “exemplar schools” reflecting NEP 2020 principles.
- Funding Pattern: 60:40 between the Centre and the States (90:10 for NE & Hill States, 100% for UTs).
- Implementing Agencies: Schools managed by Central (KVS/NVS), State, or Local bodies are eligible for upgradation.
- Key Features:
- Holistic, multidisciplinary education and competency-based learning.
- Integration of art-based, experiential, and vocational education.
- Adoption of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) or the State Curriculum Framework (SCF) aligned with NEP 2020.
- Fiscal and Administrative Linkages
- The Samagra Shiksha scheme’s fund disbursement has been linked to states’ adoption of the PM-SHRI model.
- Kerala did not receive central Samagra Shiksha funds for 2024–25 and 2025–26, and only partial funding (~₹1,150 crore) for 2023–24.
- These funds are critical for activities under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, including:
- Uniforms and textbooks for schoolchildren,
- Support for differently abled students,
- Reimbursement to private schools under the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) category.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- PM-SHRI Schools Scheme:
- Launched under the Ministry of Education to showcase NEP 2020 implementation.
- Each PM-SHRI school will act as a model for neighbouring schools, demonstrating modern pedagogy and digital learning.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Significance of Kerala’s Decision:
- Ensures access to central funding critical for maintaining school infrastructure and welfare programs.
- Aligns the state’s education model with national benchmarks under NEP 2020.
- May open opportunities for innovation, digital learning, and teacher upskilling in government schools.
- Challenges and Political Dimensions:
- Raises questions about federal balance in education, a subject on the Concurrent List under the Constitution.
- Sparks ideological debate within Kerala’s LDF over centralization vs. state autonomy.
- Implementation may face hurdles if curriculum alignment and teacher training remain underfunded.
- Economic and Governance Implications:
- The ₹1,500 crore potential loss highlights the fiscal leverage the Centre holds over state compliance.
- Demonstrates how centrally sponsored schemes (CSS) can influence state education policies.
- Could revive discussions on creating a National Education Council for joint policy coordination.
- Way Forward:
- Kerala can leverage PM-SHRI funding while preserving its unique curriculum and inclusive education model.
- Build consensus through Centre–State Education Councils under the Inter-State Council mechanism.
- Ensure that NEP’s objectives are implemented contextually, with state-specific adaptations to preserve linguistic and pedagogical diversity.
Possible Mains Question:
“The PM-SHRI scheme represents both educational modernization and a test of Centre–State cooperative federalism. Discuss in light of Kerala’s recent reversal of policy.”