Keralam: CM Satheesan forms sub-committee for PM SHRI scheme concerns, says Centre "should not interfere with curriculum"
Thiruvananthapuram, June 17
The Keralam Cabinet has constituted a sub-committee to formally communicate the UDF-led state government's ideological stance regarding the Central Government's PM SHRI scheme to the Centre, said Chief Minsiter VD Satheesan on Wednesday.
Following a cabinet meeting, Satheesan said that while the state is participating in the scheme, there are significant ideological reservations about the Centre's control over the school's curriculum.
"The government's ideological objection to the scheme is that the Central Government should not interfere with curriculum freedom. The state government should have the authority to select the schools where the scheme is to be implemented. To prepare and communicate the UDF government's ideological position on the PM SHRI scheme to the Centre, the Cabinet has constituted a sub-committee," he stated.
"Keralam General Education Minister N Shamsudheen will serve as the convenor, joined by state ministers Roji M John, PC Vishnunath, and M Liju as members. "The committee will submit its report", said the CM.
Providing details on the status of the funds, Satheesan noted that the state has already received over 99 crore rupees from the Centre, including previously withheld amounts, with an additional 106 crore rupees recently sanctioned.
"The PM SHRI scheme was discussed in detail at today's Cabinet meeting. The previous government had signed on to the PM SHRI scheme, and the Keralam government is now a participant in it. More than 99 crore rupees has already been received from the Centre under the scheme, including funds that had previously been withheld," he said.
PM SHRI School is a centrally sponsored scheme by the Government of India. This initiative is intended to develop more than 14500 PM SHRI Schools managed by the Central Government/State/UT Government/local bodies including KVS and NVS in which every student feels welcomed and cared for.
CM Satheesan also said that an important administrative reform to appoint an Integrated Financial Advisor in every department was also decided during the cabinet meeting to reduce the delays in government procedures and schemes.
"When we examined the matter, we found that a large number of files are being sent to the Finance Department. Many of these are files that need not be sent there at all. A considerable number of them have to be returned. This is causing delays in government procedures, schemes, and the implementation of decisions. Therefore, following the model established by the Central Government in 1974, it has been decided to appoint an Integrated Financial Advisor in all departments. This will ensure that financial matters are scrutinised at the departmental level itself. The Integrated Financial Advisor in each department will be an officer not below the rank of Joint Secretary," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally, a CM who is standing up to the Centre's overreach! Education is a state subject, and no one knows Kerala's needs better than us. The sub-committee should clearly outline why we can't let Delhi dictate what our children learn. Respect for our federal structure! 👏
I'm from the US, but this sounds familiar. Centralized control over curriculum always leads to politicization. Kerala's education model is among the best in India. Glad they are pushing back. The Integrated Financial Advisor idea also seems practical—state governments need to be efficient.
Sir, taking the money but then objecting to the terms seems dishonest. The scheme was clear from the start. If Kerala had ideological issues, they should have rejected it outright instead of signing up and then complaining. This is typical political theatrics before the next election. 😒
The devil is in the details. If the Centre is trying to impose a specific ideological narrative through curriculum, then yes, states must resist. But if it's about improving infrastructure and teacher training, why create hurdles? Hope the committee gives a balanced report. Education should be above politics. 📚
As a Canadian watching Indian politics, this tug-of-war between Centre and states is fascinating. Kerala's literacy is legendary, so they have credibility on education. The IFA appointment reform seems smart—reducing bureaucratic delays is universal. Hope both sides find common ground for the kids' sake.
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