Kerala govt yet to inform Centre on PM SHRI backtrack; CPI likely to question delay in today’s Cabinet meet

Thiruvananthapuram: Although the CPM-led state government decided to freeze the PM SHRI agreement following opposition from its key coalition partner CPI, a week has passed without sending the official communication to the union government.

Education Minister V Sivankutty explained that the Cabinet decision would be implemented and that the letter’s delay was due to seeking legal advice. “The letter will be sent this week itself,” he said.

CPI demands clarity on project freeze

At the CPI state council meeting held on Tuesday, members demanded confirmation that the PM SHRI scheme had indeed been frozen. Party sources indicated that CPI ministers would seek clarity on the matter during the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

Confusion over who will send the letter

Initially, government sources said the Chief Secretary would send the communication to the union government since it was a Cabinet decision. However, during Tuesday’s press conference, Minister Sivankutty clarified that the letter would be issued by the General Education Secretary.

First instalment of SSK funds

Meanwhile, the union government informed the Supreme Court on Tuesday that it would release the SSK (Samagra Shiksha Kerala) funds. The first instalment was received by evening. Legal experts pointed out that had the state approached the court earlier, a favourable verdict could have been secured sooner.