Alappuzha, Kerala: A political standoff has emerged in Kerala over the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme, with the Communist Party of India (CPI) National Secretary D. Raja sharply criticizing the Kerala government's decision to adopt the central scheme. Raja has also voiced strong concerns regarding the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, branding it a "dangerous policy".
The CPI, a key constituent of Kerala's ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), has publicly opposed the PM SHRI scheme, which aims to upgrade existing schools with modern infrastructure. D. Raja has been particularly vocal, asserting that the scheme facilitates the "communalisation and commercialisation" of India's education system, a charge he leveled while addressing the media. He argues that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre is attempting to impose a "monolithic agenda" on the nation.
The CPI's primary grievance stems from the alleged lack of consultation with coalition partners before the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for PM SHRI was signed. According to reports, the MoU was signed without any prior discussion in the state cabinet, a move that has upset the CPI. State Revenue Minister K. Rajan, a CPI member, reportedly raised the issue with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during a cabinet meeting, but Vijayan remained silent, allegedly aware that the agreement had already been signed. This lack of transparency has led to accusations of violating coalition protocols and undermining the spirit of collaborative governance.
D. Raja has directly called upon the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), the leading party in the LDF, to clarify its stance on PM SHRI. He has communicated his concerns to CPI-M General Secretary M.A. Baby, urging the party to officially announce whether it supports the scheme. The CPI's leadership convened a meeting in Alappuzha on Monday to discuss the PM SHRI issue and formulate a strategy.
The CPI's opposition to PM SHRI is intrinsically linked to its broader concerns about the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. D. Raja has consistently maintained that the NEP promotes the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) agenda and facilitates the commercialization, communalization, and centralization of education. He believes that the PM SHRI scheme is a vehicle for introducing the NEP in Kerala, a policy that Left parties have opposed since 2020.
In response to the controversy, efforts have been initiated to bridge the divide between the CPI and CPI-M. Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty met with CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam to discuss the issue. Subsequently, D. Raja and M.A. Baby held discussions in Delhi to find a way forward. While M.A. Baby has stated that the CPI-M is open to addressing the CPI's concerns through dialogue, D. Raja has reiterated that his party will not compromise on its demand to withdraw from the MoU.
M.A. Baby has offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that Kerala was compelled to sign the PM SHRI agreement to secure the release of statutory Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) funds owed to the state by the Centre. He argues that Kerala has already achieved the goals envisioned by PM SHRI, possessing advanced infrastructure in its government schools. According to Baby, signing the MoU for funds does not imply that the LDF accepts the NEP agenda.
Despite these attempts at reconciliation, the CPI remains firm in its opposition. Binoy Viswam emphasized that the discussions with the Chief Minister did not yield any concrete resolution. He urged the Kerala government to request the Centre to withdraw the signed agreement. D. Raja has stated, "Our party is of the view that we cannot agree to the NEP 2020 as it's a dangerous policy of the Centre and we have always opposed this".
The controversy surrounding PM SHRI has exposed internal strains within the LDF coalition. As the Kerala government navigates between central directives and alliance sensitivities, the future of the PM SHRI scheme in the state hangs in the balance.
