Kerala's Education Programs Stalled Over PM SHRI Scheme Disagreement
Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) projects remain suspended as the UDF government refuses to sign the PM SHRI agreement with the Union government, citing disagreements over scheme conditions. The impasse has created confusion over education funding, with conflicting claims about whether Kerala received Rs. 92 crore under PM SHRI or under the separate RTE framework. The stalemate is affecting 6,500 contract staff, support services for disabled children, and study centers in tribal areas.
Kerala's education initiatives under the Samagra Shiksha Kerala program face significant delays due to an ongoing dispute between the state government and the Union government over the PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) scheme. Education Minister N. Shamsudheen confirmed the UDF government maintains its opposition to PM SHRI's conditions and stated the matter requires discussion within the coalition rather than unilateral action. The controversy centers on funding linkages: the previous LDF government signed the PM SHRI agreement after the Centre tied education program funding to the scheme, but later suspended it due to political opposition. Current disputes over whether Kerala received Rs. 92 crore under PM SHRI or the separate RTE framework have added to the confusion. The practical impact includes delayed salaries for SSK's approximately 6,500 contract staff, suspended support services for children with disabilities, and affected study centers in tribal areas. Unlike Tamil Nadu, which has independently continued education schemes with Central assistance, Kerala's fiscal constraints limit similar options.
What's missing
The specific conditions within the PM SHRI agreement that the UDF government objects to are not detailed in the article, making it difficult to assess the substantive basis of the disagreement beyond general political opposition.
What different sources said
- The HinduCenter
SSK schemes hit as impasse over PM SHRI continues
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