D Raja Demands Clarity from CPM on PM SHRI Scheme in Kerala

Political tensions are rising in Kerala over the implementation of the PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) scheme. D Raja, the national secretary of the CPI (Communist Party of India), publicly opposed the scheme, asserting that it promotes the communalisation and commercialisation of the education system. Speaking to the media in Alappuzha on Sunday, Raja urged the CPM (Communist Party of India-Marxist) to clarify its position on the central initiative.

Raja’s criticism centers on the CPI’s longstanding opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. “We are against the communalisation, centralisation and commercialisation of our education system,” he stated, highlighting concerns that the BJP government at the Centre undermines federalism in India. The decision by the Kerala government to engage with PM SHRI has sparked significant public debate, with many expressing discontent over the government’s actions.

In his remarks, Raja indicated he had reached out to the CPM’s national secretary, MA Baby, emphasizing the need for an official announcement regarding the party’s stance on PM SHRI. He expressed concerns that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by the state government could negatively impact Kerala’s education framework. “The MoU will badly affect Kerala,” he warned.

The controversy has intensified following revelations that the MoU for the PM SHRI scheme was signed without prior discussion in the Cabinet. Internal dissent surfaced when CPI minister K Rajan objected to the initiative, characterising it as an attempt by the BJP to impose its education policies on Kerala. Despite this, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Education Minister V Sivankutty reportedly remained silent regarding the agreement.

Defending the decision to sign the MoU, Minister Sivankutty stated that Kerala intends to collaborate with the scheme to secure essential central funding for public schools. He reassured stakeholders that the implementation of PM SHRI would not alter the state’s educational curriculum.

The CPI plans to further discuss the implications of the PM SHRI scheme at its executive meeting scheduled for Monday in Alappuzha. Raja reiterated his party’s stance, asserting, “The BJP government is trying to impose its monolithic agenda in the country. We do not agree with it.”

As the situation develops, the CPM’s response will be crucial in determining the political landscape regarding education in Kerala and the ongoing debate surrounding the central government’s policies.