Kerala can’t unilaterally exit PM SHRI scheme; MoU mandates mutual consent

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Despite the CPM yielding to CPI pressure over the PM SHRI, LDF government cannot unilaterally withdraw from the scheme under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Centre. According to the agreement, withdrawal is permitted only through mutual consent between both parties, with a mandatory 30-day notice period, sources said.

The state’s decision has run into legal and administrative hurdles since the PM SHRI scheme is linked to the Samagra Shiksha Keralam (SSK) fund. If the state wishes to receive only SSK funding while opting out of PM SHRI, it would have to approach the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, issuing writing to the Centre or making policy decisions to exit the scheme holds no legal validity under the existing MoU.

The issue has also deepened political friction within the ruling Left coalition. The CPI has taken a strong stand, opposing any continuation with the PM SHRI project even if central funds are withheld. CPI leaders have also accused the government of signing the MoU without prior Cabinet approval.

The party has demanded that the CPM-led government clarify under which specific government order the agreement was executed. CPI sources said the party would soften its stance only if this clarification is provided.

Meanwhile, if any party or organisation challenges the agreement in court, the state may be compelled to release the government order related to the signing of the MoU. Given these legal complexities, the CPM is reportedly trying to reach a compromise with the CPI to avoid further political escalation.