Kerala's UDF reverses PM SHRI stand, cites urgent need for central school funds

The United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala has dropped its long-standing opposition to the PM SHRI scheme, with its convener Adoor Prakash stating on Thursday that the state cannot afford to lose crucial central funding for school education. The decision marks a significant reversal for the Congress-led coalition, which had earlier strongly criticised the programme as being linked to the National Education Policy (NEP) and alleged it had a communally divisive agenda.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Prakash said the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the central government for PM SHRI. He described the move as 'furtive' and claimed it was done without consulting the Cabinet or the LDF partners. The UDF, which came to power later, is now bound by that agreement, he explained.

'Governments are perpetual, and some actions taken by a previous dispensation cannot be undone by the incumbent government given fiscal commitments,' Mr. Prakash said. He denied that the UDF had executed a political U-turn, insisting that the party's earlier criticism of the CPI(M) was based on the secrecy and lack of consultation surrounding the MoU, not on the scheme itself.

The PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme is a central government initiative aimed at upgrading thousands of schools across the country. Critics, including several non-BJP state governments, have opposed it on grounds that it promotes a particular ideological agenda linked to the NEP. Kerala had been one of the prominent states to resist the scheme under the previous LDF government.

Mr. Prakash laid the blame for the current situation squarely on the CPI(M). He alleged that the then general education secretary was sent to the centre 'clandestinely' to sign the agreement without broad-based consultations. 'The CPI(M) lacked the courage of its convictions to consult the CPI, a key LDF ally, before making a momentous decision that has far-reaching implications for Kerala's general education sector,' he said.

He also revealed that the CPI had threatened to boycott the Cabinet if the CPI(M) did not revoke the MoU. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam issued an ultimatum to the CPI(M) leadership, according to Mr. Prakash. However, he claimed, the CPI(M) stalled the process, ensuring that the PM SHRI fund infusion was held up. This, he said, pushed Kerala into a no-win situation.

The UDF's change in stance is expected to draw criticism from opposition parties, who may see it as a surrender to the centre. However, Mr. Prakash maintained that the decision was pragmatic and in the interest of students. The scheme, which brings substantial funding for infrastructure and digital education, is seen as vital for Kerala's cash-strapped school system.

Political observers note that the reversal could also be a strategic move by the UDF to neutralise the issue ahead of the 2026 assembly elections, as the previous LDF government's handling of the PM SHRI MoU had become a point of contention. For now, the focus shifts to whether the central funds will be released promptly and how the CPI(M) will respond to the UDF's new position.