Poet criticises PM SHRI scheme at Kerala convention, warns of NEP rollout

Eminent Malayalam poet K. Satchidanandan on Wednesday alleged that the PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) scheme is a “classic example of subverting the Constitution” and warned that its implementation in Kerala would inevitably pave the way for the rollout of the National Education Policy (NEP).

He was speaking at a secular education convention against the PM SHRI scheme, organised by the Communist Party of India (CPI) Thrissur district council and allied mass organisations.

The PM SHRI scheme is a Centrally sponsored initiative aimed at upgrading over 14,000 schools across India to serve as model schools, aligning with the NEP 2020. Critics, including some opposition parties and educational activists, have argued that the scheme promotes a uniform curriculum that may undermine state autonomy and dilute constitutional values such as secularism and federalism.

Drawing on his experience as a former teacher, Mr. Satchidanandan said he was well aware of the shortcomings of the PM SHRI scheme and its potential impact on future generations. He said, “Education and freedom of expression are under constant threat in this period of rising fascism. At a time when democratic values are being undermined, politics has become more relevant than ever. More secular education conventions against the PM SHRI scheme should be organised.”

The meeting was presided over by CPI district secretary K.G. Sivanandan. Other speakers included All India Youth Federation (AIYF) State president K. Shajahan, CPI district assistant secretary T.R. Ramesh Kumar, district panchayat vice-president T.K. Sudheesh, and representatives of various mass organisations.

The event highlights the ongoing political debate in Kerala over the adoption of the PM SHRI scheme and the NEP, with some state government officials expressing reservations while the Union government has urged all states to participate.