Kerala to Move SC Over PM SHRI Funds Withheld

Kerala to Move SC Over PM SHRI Funds Withheld

Why in the News ?

Kerala’s Education Minister V. Sivankutty announced that the state will approach the Supreme Court against the Centre’s decision to withhold ₹1,500 crore in educational funds, citing the state’s refusal to adopt the PM SHRI scheme linked to NEP 2020.

Kerala to Move SC Over PM SHRI Funds Withheld

About Kerala’s Opposition to PM SHRI:

  • Kerala refuses to adopt the scheme due to its association with NEP 2020, which the Left-led government calls an attempt at “saffronisation” of education.
  • The state argues the scheme would bring state schools under central control, violating federal principles.

  • Kerala claims it has already implemented key components, like 40,000 smart classrooms and robust infrastructure upgrades.

Funding Withheld and Legal Action

  • The Centre has withheld ₹1,500 crore since 2023-24, mainly under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).
  • This has affected multiple student welfare schemes.
  • Kerala will now approach the Supreme Court seeking the release of these pending funds.

About PM SHRI Scheme:

●     PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India), launched in 2022, is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme by the Union Ministry of Education.

●     Aims to upgrade 14,500+ schools into model institutions aligned with NEP 2020.

●     Covers elementary to senior secondary schools under central, state, and local governments.

●     Project cost: ₹27,360 crore (₹18,128 crore Centre’s share, 40% borne by states).

●     12,400 schools across 670 districts have joined the scheme.