Particle.news
Download on the App Store
40 ARTICLES
·
2mo ago

Kerala Joins PM SHRI After Funds Freeze, CPI Says It Was Kept in the Dark

The decision seeks access to long-delayed central education funds, prompting CPI protests over NEP-linked conditions and the lack of coalition consultation.

Image
File photo of Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, LDF convenor TP Ramakrishnan, CPM state secretary MV Govindan, CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam and other leaders at the LDF meeting in Thiruvananthapuram in February | ANI
Image
Image

Overview

  • Kerala’s General Education Secretary K. (J.) Vasuki signed the PM SHRI MoU in New Delhi on October 23, with officials estimating roughly ₹1,446–₹1,500 crore in central grants for school upgrades.
  • CPI leaders said the move bypassed the Cabinet and LDF allies, calling it a breach of coalition discipline and convening an emergency state secretariat meeting with a review set for October 27.
  • CPI ministers had raised objections in Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, and party figures have questioned General Education Minister V. Sivankutty, with some reports saying ministers discussed possible protest actions.
  • CPI(M) leaders and Minister Sivankutty defended the step as a practical way to secure Kerala’s due funds, asserting it does not mean implementing the NEP or diluting the state’s education policy.
  • Opposition Congress pressed the government over NEP concerns, Kerala Congress (M) backed the MoU, and reports said the Centre would release withheld Samagra Shiksha Keralam funds following the signing.