Kerala's U-Turn on PM SHRI Scheme: A Deep Dive into Educational  Autonomy And Political Undercurrents

The ruling party of Kerala, the CPI(M), Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Left Democratic Front (LDF) had been steadfast that Kerala would not join the PM SHRI Schools for Rising India under the National Education Policy. The political bosses of the state, including the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, strongly felt that the PM SHRI Schools were a ploy of the BJP to hijack Kerala's education system and annul its cultural and federal autonomy. Whatever the reason might be, Kerala's education always remained different, and the government was adamant to uphold those values.  Then, beyond the expectations of many, Pinarayi Vijayan inked the agreement to join the PM SHRI project, which questioned the political integrity of the state. 

Previously, Kerala had allied with other states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, also against this scheme. It was of the view that 'such a project would cause devastating blows to the local culture and education.' Against this backdrop, Kerala changed its mind, and it decided to implement the said scheme. The change of heart was no small one; the political dimensions were very significant. Now, many see this decision as a 'political compromise' rather than a simple educational adjustment. 

At first glance, it appears to be a straightforward project—the PM SHRI scheme—to upgrade the country's educational system. It promises infrastructure development, updating pedagogies, and better facilities in selected schools. To critics, however, the scheme is much more than that. In essence, it is the NEP 2020, with its most significant component being the change in the running of schools in India. 

The aim of the PM SHRI scheme to standardize education throughout the country, which, in other words, means implementing NCERT guidelines throughout the states, is one of the most controversial aspects of this scheme. Kerala, on its part, has a different approach toward education that has been thriving for decades. The state has consistently maintained a different syllabus and teaching methodology, quite at variance with the NCERT system. The general outlook of Kerala's system had been shaped by its linguistic and cultural identity, and the people of Kerala have always taken pride in it. 

On the other hand, the central government is insisting on replacing the Kerala system with a more centralized approach. As outlined in NEP 2020, the three-language policy shall be more strongly implemented through the PM SHRI scheme. That will make Hindi and Sanskrit compulsory and Malayalam and English optional. This will indeed be a sea change in Kerala, where Malayalam is the official language and English is an important medium of instruction. Furthermore, it can even create difficulties for students who want to study Arabic and Urdu, two important languages in the culture of Kerala. 

Another point of concern is with regard to the branding of the project. PM SHRI mandates schools selected under it to display the name, photo, and logo of the Prime Minister in their advertisements. Many view this as an attempt to push the BJP agenda in schools and thereby turn them into sites of political propaganda. Further, NEP makes it compulsory for the schools to teach subjects like Indian Knowledge Systems, yoga, and Vedas—subjects that many believe do not align with the secular and inclusive values of Kerala. 

BJP has long been trying to increase its influence in Kerala but faces strong opposition from both the LDF and UDF. Many saw the PM SHRI scheme as an opportunity for the BJP to get a foothold in 

Kerala's politics has control over education. For the central government, it was a means to bring Kerala's education system in tune with the national vision of the BJP. 

Matters reached a new level of controversy when there was a rumor that the LDF, which has traditionally opposed the BJP on all major issues, might join hands with the BJP to implement the scheme in Kerala. This created a lot of speculation and confusion among the people, especially since both parties are traditionally seen to be rivals in the Indian political scene. Some felt that Pinarayi Vijayan and the LDF might have buckled under pressure from the Centre, especially after Kerala was left out of the initial list of PM SHRI schools. 

When the central government implemented PM SHRI, it became obvious that selected schools had to adopt the centralized syllabus and rules, which would disrupt the traditional way of education in Kerala. Strong opposition came from Kerala and some other states, but the central government did not back down. Instead, it cut funds to the states that refused to implement the scheme. This put Kerala under a lot of pressure since the funds were needed in schools. 

The decision to accept PM SHRI has evoked a lot of questions. Some believe that funding was the prime reason behind Kerala’s decision. While other states, such as Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, chose to oppose the central government politically and legally, Kerala seemed more keen on receiving the central funds. In many eyes, the LDF government has compromised Kerala’s educational autonomy for the sake of financial aid. 

There is also much internal opposition within the ruling parties of Kerala. The Communist Party of India, CPI, has been at the forefront of criticism of the scheme because it would affect Kerala’s education system. Even the education minister of the state has been at a loss to explain why the government accepted the scheme when it runs against the traditional Left’s ethos. The decision has split the party, with several of its members questioning the political motives behind the move. 

Many have considered the CPI(M)'s signing onto the PM SHRI scheme as part of a new political collaboration between the latter and the BJP. The said alliance has created considerable confusion and concern amongst the people of Kerala. According to the criticism, Pinarayi Vijayan and the CPI(M) are ready to sacrifice the education system in Kerala for political success and immediate gains. They also argue that a decision like this is not about ruling Kerala but about Pinarayi's personal interests and his compulsion to maintain a good relationship with BJP leaders like Modi and Amit Shah. 

The decision to accept the PM SHRI scheme will have long-term consequences for Kerala. If the central government’s agenda is fully implemented, it will lead to the privatization and centralization of education in Kerala. The state’s unique educational model, which has been built on the principles of social justice, inclusivity, and accessibility, will be compromised. Kerala’s educational system has always been a model for the rest of the country, but this new project could undermine everything that has been achieved. 

The decision to implement the PM SHRI scheme may thus disunite the people of Kerala. The state has always taken pride in its diversity of culture and languages, and the introduction of policies pertaining to the three-language formula might cause division among the communities. The imposition of a standardized education system could create conflicts between different political and social groups, further deepening divisions within the state. 

In other words, by accepting the scheme, the LDF government has committed a very serious blunder that jeopardizes Kerala's education system. Kerala should resist the central government's move to force a monotonous educational pattern that clashes with the state's values of inclusivity, social 

justice, and the right to education for one and all. The PM SHRI Scheme may sound like an opportunity to develop infrastructure, but it is basically a Trojan horse aimed at the privatization and centralization of education in Kerala. The LDF government must reconsider and abjure this policy.  Kerala's educational autonomy is too valuable to be bargained away. It has to preserve its unique model of education, which serves as a beacon for social justice and inclusive growth for the whole country.