The Congress high command has expressed strong reservations over the Kerala government's reported move to implement the Centre-sponsored PM SHRI school scheme, creating fresh political pressure on Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan and the ruling United Democratic Front (UDF).

 

According to party sources, the Congress leadership has conveyed to the Chief Minister that implementing the PM SHRI scheme, which is linked to the National Education Policy (NEP), would be inconsistent with the party's declared ideological and political position. The intervention is being seen as a significant setback for the state government's efforts, backed by sections of the Muslim League leadership, to proceed with the scheme in order to access central funding.

 

The issue has generated considerable debate within the UDF, with critics arguing that accepting the scheme would amount to compromising the alliance's long-standing opposition to the NEP. The Congress leadership is understood to have advised the state government against making any ideological or political concessions, despite the financial implications of rejecting the project.

 

The Kerala government had recently constituted a Cabinet subcommittee to examine the advantages and disadvantages of implementing the PM SHRI scheme before taking a final decision. However, senior Congress leaders believe the programme could serve as a vehicle for introducing the National Education Policy into the state's education system.

 

A senior Congress leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the party views the PM SHRI scheme as 'a backdoor route for implementing the National Education Policy,' alleging that it could eventually pave the way for the inclusion of Sangh Parivar ideology in school curricula. 'The Congress will not allow that to happen in Kerala,' the leader said.

 

The controversy has also revived the UDF's earlier criticism of the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, which it had accused during the Assembly election campaign of attempting to 'saffronise' the school curriculum. Congress leaders believe any departure from that position could weaken the party's credibility, particularly among minority communities.

 

Sources close to Chief Minister Satheesan told The New Indian Express that the government has, for now, deferred any decision on implementing the scheme and is awaiting the report of the Cabinet subcommittee.

 

Party insiders said it would now be the Chief Minister's responsibility to convince the Congress leadership if the government wishes to proceed. Satheesan and the Muslim League have maintained that the previous LDF government had already signed a memorandum of understanding with the Centre and accepted central funds, leaving the present administration with limited options. They also argue that abandoning the scheme could result in substantial financial losses for the state.