Kerala being denied around ₹2,000 cr. for not signing up for PM SHRI: Samsudheen

Amid the sparring between the United Democratic Front (UDF) government and the Opposition Left Democratic Front (LDF) over the PM SHRI scheme, Minister for General Education N. Samsudheen has conceded that the previous LDF government was forced to ink the agreement in the expectation of Central share of funds.

Responding to questions on the scheme during Question Hour in the Assembly on Monday, the Minister said the State was being denied around ₹2,000 crore for not signingup for the PM SHRI scheme.

The Union government’s share of funds due to Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) that had been denied amounts to ₹1,151.48 crore. Also, the PM SHRI funds (₹1 crore for 304 schools in 152 blocks for three years) to the tune of around ₹900 had also been denied.

The Minister clarified there was no record of the LDF government holding discussions or gathering opinion from various corners ahead of signing the PM SHRI agreement. However, a government-appointed committee had met and advised the government that the deal could be signed.

Since education was on the Concurrent list, States should have the freedom the select the curriculum being followed in its schools, he said.

The Minister clarified that the Cabinet subcommittee appointed by the UDF government had met once but not taken any final decision on going ahead with the scheme.