Kerala's PM SHRI Scheme Decision Sparks Controversy Amidst CPI Reservations

Kerala's decision to join the PM SHRI scheme has drawn criticism from key political allies CPI and its affiliated organizations. Amid a financial crunch, the state's effort aims at ensuring central funds for education without altering its established policies, stirring political debate within the ruling LDF.

The controversy surrounding Kerala's decision to join the Centre's PM SHRI scheme has intensified with CPI (M) general secretary M A Baby announcing that the issue will be discussed within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in response to objections raised by the Communist Party of India (CPI).

In New Delhi, Baby emphasised that the Marxist party would not overlook the CPI's concerns at both national and state levels. He also highlighted that State General Education Minister V Sivankutty had justified the decision as a necessary move to secure central funds for students given Kerala's current financial challenges.

The decision has provoked political backlash, with CPI officials and Congress members voicing suspicions of a covert alliance between CPI(M) and the BJP. However, ruling LDF convenor T P Ramakrishnan defended the strategy, insisting that the priorities are securing maximum funds whilst maintaining the state's educational policies.

(With inputs from agencies.)