Stories
Keralam Cannot Unilaterally Withdraw From PM-SHRI MoU Says Minister
- •General Education Minister N Samsudheen stated in the state Assembly that Keralam cannot unilaterally exit the PM-SHRI scheme because the MoU signed by the previous LDF government lacks such a provision.
- •The minister explained that any amendments or changes to the MoU require mutual consent, with the Centre retaining relevant authority under the agreement.
- •A Cabinet sub-committee is currently examining the issue, and future actions will be determined once its final report is submitted.
- •The state government is weighing its legal options regarding the withholding of funds due under centrally sponsored schemes like Samagra Shiksha Kerala.
- •Keralam has maintained that funds for centrally sponsored schemes are the right of the state's children and should not be linked to the PM-SHRI scheme.
Key Questions Answered
No, Keralam cannot unilaterally withdraw from the PM-SHRI scheme because the MoU signed by the previous LDF government does not provide for such an exit. According to the agreement terms, any amendments require mutual consent, with the Centre retaining the relevant authority.
The Cabinet sub-committee constituted to examine the PM-SHRI issue has met twice for detailed discussions, but its report has not yet been finalized. The state government will decide its future course of action only after receiving and reviewing this submitted report.
The current government is facing a difficult situation because the previous LDF government signed the PM-SHRI MoU in October 2025, which led the Centre to withhold funds due under centrally sponsored schemes like Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK). The state maintains that these funds are the rightful due of Keralam's children and should not be linked to the PM-SHRI program.
