Kerala's CPI Rift Over PM SHRI Scheme: Governance Unaffected

In the midst of a brewing controversy within Kerala's ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), Civil Supplies Minister G R Anil assured on Tuesday that governance will not be hampered by the discord over the Prime Minister's Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme. The stalemate reportedly arose over the state General Education Department signing the scheme without prior Cabinet discussion, a move contested by the CPI.

The tension pits coalition partners CPI and CPI(M) against each other, with the former vocally opposing the National Education Policy (NEP) and asserting that the PM SHRI is part of a broader agenda. Despite the disputes, Anil reiterated the Left's commitment to its policy direction, emphasizing that it would not disrupt administrative functions.

Meanwhile, State Education Minister V Sivankutty backed the decision to sign the Memorandum of Understanding, citing the benefits of accessing central education funds without altering the state curriculum. Talks between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam have yet to resolve the issue, leaving the next steps uncertain as party leaders deliberate their course of action.