Kerala's Political Standoff Over PM SHRI: Implications for Education

Union Minister George Kurian criticized the Kerala government's decision to freeze the PM SHRI scheme, stating it has only 'paper value'. The move, driven by political disagreement, could deprive poor students of educational opportunities, emphasizing that education initiatives are aligned with the National Education Policy.

Union Minister George Kurian has criticized the Kerala state government's actions to halt the PM SHRI scheme, labeling the decision as having only 'paper value'. The state's freeze, spurred by a political rift within the ruling coalition, is being challenged at the central level.

Comparing Kerala's move to state-level resistance against federal laws, Kurian asserted that the ultimate authority rests with the Union Education Ministry. He emphasized the alignment of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and PM SHRI initiatives with the National Education Policy, urging the state not to jeopardize children's educational prospects.

The standoff has prompted a response from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, sending a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reject Kerala's appeal, labeling it as politically motivated and contrary to student welfare. The letter seeks the Prime Minister's intervention to safeguard educational benefits for underprivileged students.

(With inputs from agencies.)