Allies fall out over PM SHRI
THE rift within Kerala’s ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) over the government signing on the Centre's PM SHRI scheme deepened on Monday as efforts to resolve the impasse between the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and the Communist Party of India (CPI) appeared to have failed in a nearly 50-minute meeting between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam.
"Our party is of the view that we cannot agree to the NEP (National Education Policy) 2020 as it’s a dangerous policy of the Centre and we have always opposed this.
“In this context, our party has expressed its opposition to the signing of the MoU. During the meeting with CM, our (state) Secretary Viswam reiterated the stand. He has asked him (CM Vijayan) to withhold the MoU. Our position remains the same, and we will continue to discuss further. The Kerala government should write to the Centre to withdraw what was signed," he said.
While expressing a neutral stance on the policy rift between the two political allies in the Left Democratic Front, the World Malayalee Voice wants its readers to know what PM SHRI is.
PM SHRI is the "Prime Minister's Schools for Rising India" initiative, a central government scheme to upgrade over 14,500 existing government-run schools into model schools that showcase the National Education Policy 2020.
The project aims to enhance the quality of education through better infrastructure, technology integration and new learning experiences to create a nurturing environment for students to become productive citizens.
The goal is to strengthen existing schools by providing a safe and stimulating learning environment with good physical infrastructure and appropriate resources.
The vision is to develop students into engaged, productive, and contributing citizens by showcasing the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020.
The scheme focuses on improving curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and infrastructure, while promoting inclusive practices.
It is a centrally sponsored scheme, and the learning from these schools is intended to be scaled up to other schools in the country.
The LDF government in Kerala had viewed the NEP 2020 with deep suspicion, accusing the Union government of using it to push the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)'s ideological influence.
The government's key concerns include the policy's potential to communalise education, promote privatisation and commercialisation and centralise control over what has traditionally been a state subject.
Now, by signing the MoU, Kerala stands to receive Rs 1,476.13 crore, including arrears and PM SHRI allocations until March 2027, plus Rs 971 crore assured for Samagra Shiksha. General Education Minister V Sivankutty described this as a "tactical move" to safeguard state interests amid a financial crunch, without compromising core principles.
On concerns about curriculum changes leading to communal bias, the government reaffirmed that Kerala controls its syllabus. The NEP itself permits state-specific frameworks, and the state's recent revisions uphold inclusive values.
For Kerala's schools, this could mean upgraded facilities in selected PM SHRI institutions, benefiting students.
WMV reminds the CPI (M) and the CPI of their common purpose or goals that led to the alliance in the first place. Frame the policy disagreement as a challenge to be overcome together, rather than a conflict that must result in winners and losers.
We see compelling arguments on both sides. The focus on the implementation of the plan is essential, while also recognising the importance of addressing the point raised by the other side.
Both parties must concentrate on the merits and drawbacks of each policy option. Avoid commenting on the motives, tactics, or character of the parties involved. This keeps the discussion focused on solutions rather than escalating personal conflict.
WMV seeks the parties to evaluate the issue objectively and find a path forward that best serves the interests of the people.
