Overview
- The state halted all procedures under PM SHRI and formed a seven-member cabinet subcommittee led by Education Minister V. Sivankutty to review the MoU.
- Kerala will write to the Union government seeking relaxations or other options, with further action paused until the panel submits its report.
- The step follows CPI’s objection to the MoU being signed without cabinet consultation, and the party has resumed participation in cabinet after the freeze.
- Officials had cited withheld central allocations under Samagra Shiksha, with reported arrears of about ₹1,158 crore, as a key reason for signing on October 16.
- Uncertainty remains over whether Kerala can withdraw unilaterally from the signed agreement and over possible recovery clauses under the scheme’s rules.