Kerala Stands Firm: Demand for Education Funds Intensifies

The Kerala government, led by General Education Minister V Sivankutty, is contemplating a protest in New Delhi to expedite the release of central funds for education. They blame delayed fund allocations and technical objections by the Union Ministry of Education for stalling critical education projects under the Samagra Shiksha Kerala programme.

The Kerala government is poised to take action, with plans to organize a protest in New Delhi to demand the timely release of central funds owed to the state for education projects, as per General Education Minister V Sivankutty's announcement on Wednesday.

The minister expressed concern over delays in fund allocation for key education initiatives. Specifically, he highlighted the Centre's hold-up of funds under the Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) programme. November saw a release of Rs 92.41 crore, yet subsequent payments are stalled by technical objections from the Union Ministry of Education.

Sivankutty accused the Centre of withholding vital finances on technicalities, pointing out that Kerala is due Rs 440 crore for the years 2023-26. Discussions are underway to resolve portal accessibility issues needed for fund releases. The minister has not ruled out leading a protest in Delhi to ensure the state's educational rights are upheld without further delay.

(With inputs from agencies.)