Thu Oct 23 17:07:17 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The Kerala government has agreed to participate in the Union government’s PM SHRI scheme, securing ₹1,446 crore for upgrading state schools. This decision has sparked strong opposition from the CPI, a key ally in the ruling LDF coalition. The CPI views the PM SHRI scheme as inherently linked to the controversial National Education Policy (NEP), which they believe undermines federalism and imposes a centralized, “one-size-fits-all” approach to education. Despite assurances from the CPI(M) and the promise of funding for improved school facilities, the CPI remains critical, arguing the scheme is a political tool disguised as educational reform. Other non-BJP ruled states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal have also expressed skepticism about the scheme’s ties to the NEP.

News Article:

Kerala Government Approves PM SHRI Scheme, Sparks Rift Within Ruling Coalition

Thiruvananthapuram, October 23, 2025 – The Kerala government has signed up for the Union government’s PM SHRI scheme, securing an estimated ₹1,446 crore for the modernization of government schools across the state. The move, aimed at enhancing educational facilities with modern classrooms, science laboratories, and advanced technology, has triggered a significant rift within the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) coalition.

The Communist Party of India (CPI), a key ally in the LDF, has voiced strong opposition to the decision, viewing the PM SHRI scheme as intrinsically linked to the controversial National Education Policy (NEP). CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam stated that the agreement was signed without consulting the LDF.

“It is true the government has signed the agreement for PM SHRI scheme. The CPI’s State secretariat is convening at the party’s State headquarters urgently on Friday to weigh the issue and register its strong objection,” he said.

The CPI views the NEP as an infringement on federalism, arguing that it centralizes education by imposing a uniform curriculum that disregards regional cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversities. They accuse the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government of using the PM SHRI scheme as a means to promote the NEP’s ideological agenda.

CPI sources indicate that party ministers had previously expressed reservations about joining the PM SHRI scheme, highlighting concerns about its association with the NEP. CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby reportedly attempted to ease tensions by assuring the CPI that the government would engage with the Centre on PM SHRI funds without compromising on the NEP, but those assurances appear to have fallen short.

Officials state that the funds will improve classrooms, science laboratories, and state-of-the-art information and communication technology devices to catalyse learning.

Other non-BJP-ruled states, including Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, have also expressed reservations about the PM SHRI scheme and its connection to the NEP, highlighting a broader concern about the Union government’s increasing influence over state education policies.

Neither General Education Minister V. Sivankutty, Sarva Siksha Kerala Director, nor General Education Secretary K. Vasuki were available for comment at the time of publication. The debate over the PM SHRI scheme underscores the ongoing tension between states seeking to modernize their education systems and concerns about the erosion of federalism in the education sector.

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