Published on October 24 , 2025
Delhi, India
In a landmark development on October 23, 2025, Kerala signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s Ministry of Education to join the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme, ending months of hesitation and internal coalition discord. This move, driven by the urgent need to release ₹1,500 crore in withheld Central funds for Samagra Shiksha Kerala, positions the state to upgrade over 260 schools into model institutions aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Despite fierce opposition from ally Communist Party of India (CPI), which views it as a gateway to “saffronisation” of education, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government prioritized fiscal pragmatism. As Education Minister V. Sivankutty emphasized, “This was the only way to secure the Centre’s share of Rs 1,500 crore.” With Tamil Nadu and West Bengal now the sole holdouts among 36 states and union territories, Kerala’s decision underscores the scheme’s nationwide momentum, aiming to foster excellence through modern infrastructure and holistic learning.
Background on PM SHRI Scheme
Launched in 2022 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, PM SHRI seeks to elevate 14,500+ schools across India into exemplars of NEP 2020 principles, emphasizing equity, quality, and innovation. Managed by state, union, and local bodies, it builds on the unresolved Integrated Scheme for School Education (2018-2020) and Samagra Shiksha.
- Core Objectives: Develop schools as hubs for experiential learning, skill development, smart classrooms, and inclusive education, preparing students for a knowledge economy.
- National Reach: Covers 6,700+ districts and 8,300+ local bodies; already operational in 13,070 schools, including 33 Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS) and 14 Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS) in Kerala.
- Funding Model: ₹1 crore annual average per school for five years, totaling ₹4,000 crore nationally; states must match contributions and provide utilization certificates.
- NEP Linkage: Mandates full NEP implementation, including multilingualism, vocational training, and reduced curriculum load, sparking debates on ideological imposition.
Kerala’s high literacy (94%) and robust public education system made it a reluctant participant, fearing erosion of state autonomy.
Kerala’s Journey: From Reluctance to Reluctant Agreement
Kerala’s path to the MoU was marked by ideological pushback and fiscal arm-twisting.
- Initial Opposition (2022-2025): The LDF government rejected the scheme twice, citing risks of NEP “imposition” and mandatory PM SHRI branding on schools. CPI, a key ally, labeled it a “Hindutva agenda” via RSS-influenced curriculum changes.
- Internal Tensions: CPIM and the General Education Department favored joining for funds, but CPI vetoed it in cabinet meetings (December 4, 2024; April 9, 2025). The Centre withheld ₹1,500 crore under Samagra Shiksha, escalating pressure.
- U-Turn Catalyst: In October 2025, Minister Sivankutty announced participation as a “tactical step,” bypassing full LDF consultation. The MoU was signed in New Delhi by Secretary K. Vasuki and MoE officials.
- Precedent: All Congress-ruled states signed earlier; Kerala’s delay isolated it alongside Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
| Timeline Milestone | Date | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme Launch | 2022 | PM SHRI rolled out nationally; Kerala opts out over NEP fears. |
| First Backtrack | Dec 2024 | Cabinet withholds decision amid CPI objections. |
| Second Hesitation | Apr 2025 | Funds frozen; LDF internal rift deepens. |
| Announcement | Oct 19, 2025 | Sivankutty signals intent to join for 260+ schools. |
| MoU Signing | Oct 23, 2025 | Agreement inked; Centre congratulates Kerala. |
Key Details of the MoU and Implementation
The MoU commits Kerala to NEP-aligned reforms while unlocking infrastructure grants.
- School Selection: Targets two schools per block (144 blocks), potentially upgrading 260-336 institutions to KVS-like standards with smart labs, ICT facilities, and sports amenities.
- Financial Commitments: Immediate release of ₹1,500 crore pending funds; additional ₹1 crore/school/year for five years, focusing on experiential learning and skill hubs.
- Conditions Accepted: Full NEP 2020 rollout statewide; prominent PM SHRI logo display; no curriculum alterations without state oversight.
- Rollout Phases: No immediate actions; pilot in select schools by early 2026, with monitoring via audited reports.
- Safeguards: Sivankutty assured, “Kerala will implement only those aspects of NEP that align with state values.”
Political Reactions and Controversies
The signing ignited a firestorm within LDF and beyond.
- CPI Backlash: State Secretary Binoy Viswam decried it as a “breach of coalition ethics” and “brazen violation,” demanding LDF discussion; CPI’s AISF called it “anti-student betrayal.” Revenue Minister K. Rajan (CPI) objected in cabinet.
- CPIM Defense: State Secretary M.V. Govindan justified it as “pragmatic governance” amid ₹8,000 crore dues across sectors, vowing intra-front talks.
- Opposition Fire: Congress and KSU accused LDF of “BJP handshake”; SFI and AIDSO warned of privatization and RSS ideology infiltration.
- Centre’s Response: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailed it as a “major milestone” for NEP transformation.
- Public Echoes: X buzz mixes congratulations on funds with protests labeling it “saffronisation.”
Implications for Kerala’s Education Landscape
- Positive Gains: Boosts infrastructure in under-resourced blocks, enhancing equity and skills; aligns with SDG 4 for quality education; potential for 336 model schools rivaling national benchmarks.
- Challenges: Risks diluting Kerala’s progressive model (e.g., no RTE dilution); coalition strains could spill into 2026 polls; ongoing court plea for unconditional funds.
- Broader National Impact: Reduces holdouts to two states, accelerating NEP adoption; highlights Centre-state fiscal leverage in education.
| Benefit | Potential Challenge |
|---|---|
| ₹1,500 Cr. Immediate Release | NEP Provisions on Multilingualism/Vocational Training |
| 260+ Upgraded Schools | Mandatory Branding and Ideological Concerns |
| Skill-Focused Learning | Coalition Discord and Protests |
Future Outlook
Implementation begins post-LDF deliberations, with CPI’s October 24 meeting pivotal. Kerala eyes phased rollout, blending NEP elements with local ethos—e.g., retaining anti-privatization safeguards. As Govindan noted, “We oppose NEP ideologically but govern pragmatically.” Long-term, this could model hybrid federalism, but success hinges on resolving ideological rifts. Track MoE updates for school selections; educators, how will this reshape classrooms?
