Kerala UDF government struggles to build consensus on PM SHRI scheme

The United Democratic Front government in Kerala remains unable to forge agreement among coalition partners on signing up for the Prime Minister's Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme, even as the Centre has signalled that a decision is urgently required.

The scheme, which promises substantial federal investment in school infrastructure and education quality, has triggered scepticism within sections of the UDF alliance, forcing the ruling front to navigate competing concerns about its implementation against the significant monetary benefits on offer.

Keeping pace with deliberations, the Kerala education minister has indicated that the Centre has pressed the state to make a prompt decision on the matter. The ruling coalition is now expected to move quickly towards consensus, with discussions ongoing at the political level.

Pending a final determination, the UDF has tasked an internal Cabinet subcommittee with examining the scheme's implications. The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president said the coalition is awaiting the panel's report before moving forward with a formal position.

The delay underscores the challenges faced by multi-party alliances in states when balancing ideological reservations against potential economic gains from centrally-sponsored schemes.