A political controversy has emerged in Kerala over the Centre’s PM SHRI school scheme, with conflicting claims between Chief Minister VD Satheesan and former Education Minister V Sivankutty regarding the receipt of central funds. The dispute has intensified the debate over state autonomy in education policy and the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes.

Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister VD Satheesan said Kerala continues to remain part of the PM SHRI programme due to an agreement signed by the previous government with the Centre. He claimed that the state has already received more than ₹90 crore under the scheme, with previously withheld funds also released. He further stated that an additional ₹106 crore has been sanctioned, and indicated that more allocations, estimated at around ₹1,200 crore, could follow in the future.

Satheesan said the state government’s primary concern with the PM SHRI scheme is the possibility of Central intervention in curriculum-related matters. He maintained that Kerala must retain full authority in selecting schools under the programme and that the Centre should not interfere in state-level educational content. He added that a Cabinet sub-committee is currently reviewing the matter and will guide the state’s future course of action.

Also Read: Kerala Introduces Free Bus Travel For Women On KSRTC Ordinary Buses

The Chief Minister also said Kerala would examine how other non-BJP ruled states are implementing the PM SHRI scheme while protecting their administrative control over education. He suggested that the state may consider adapting the programme in a way that aligns with Kerala’s educational vision, while safeguarding its policy autonomy. A four-member Cabinet panel has been tasked with studying the issue and submitting recommendations.

However, former Education Minister V Sivankutty strongly rejected Satheesan’s claims, stating that the information about Kerala receiving PM SHRI funds was “factually incorrect.” He asserted that the previous LDF government had communicated to the Centre that the scheme would not be implemented in the state. Sivankutty further claimed that not a single rupee had been accepted under the programme during the earlier administration.

He also pointed out that although a sub-committee was formed earlier to examine the scheme, it reportedly did not meet after its constitution. Meanwhile, documents cited from the previous administrative period indicate that Kerala had written to the Union government stating that implementation of the PM SHRI scheme would remain on hold pending Cabinet review. It remains unclear whether the Centre formally responded to this communication or what subsequent administrative action followed.

Also Read: Kerala CM Satheesan To Present First Budget Amid Fiscal Stress And Debt Concerns