Kerala Minister P K Kunhalikutty contradicts UDF Convener Adoor Prakash's claims on PM SHRI

Thiruvananthapuram: Senior Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader and Kerala Minister P K Kunhalikutty on Friday dismissed reports of differences within the United Democratic Front (UDF) over the Centre's PM SHRI scheme, asserting that neither the UDF nor the state government has taken a final decision on the matter.

Kunhalikutty's remarks came in response to UDF Convener Adoor Prakash's earlier statement suggesting that the state would proceed with the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme because the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had already signed the agreement with the Centre.

Addressing reporters, the Industries, Commerce, IT and AI Minister said the issue had not even figured in Thursday's UDF meeting and that the government would act only after a cabinet-appointed subcommittee submits its report.

"The UDF meeting did not discuss the PM SHRI issue. A cabinet subcommittee is examining the matter. Both the government and the UDF will respond after the panel submits its report," he said.

Kunhalikutty noted that the previous LDF government had entered into the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Centre after informing the Assembly that the agreement was necessary to secure financial assistance for the state.

Also read: Major setback for ADGP S Sreejith: Kerala HC quashes clean chit report over his foreign visit 

"It was the LDF government that signed the agreement. Whether the state can withdraw from it can be decided only after the subcommittee submits its report," he said.

The minister also made it clear that Kerala would not compromise on matters related to the school curriculum or the selection of institutions under the PM SHRI scheme.

"Under no circumstances will Kerala implement the Centre's conditions relating to the curriculum or the selection of schools. If such a situation arises, we will decide then," he said.

Rejecting speculation about differences between the Congress and the IUML over the issue, Kunhalikutty described such reports as "completely baseless". He added that Prakash had merely answered a media query in his own manner and that no formal discussion had taken place within the UDF.

Also read: Kerala PSC scam: Crime Branch alleges officials manipulated Planning Board chief recruitment

The clarification followed Prakash's remarks on Thursday after a UDF meeting chaired by Leader of the Opposition V D Satheesan, in which he had said the present government could not withdraw from the PM SHRI scheme because it was a continuation of the previous administration that had signed the agreement.

Prakash had also maintained that Kerala would continue to decide which schools would be covered under the scheme, frame the curriculum and determine how the funds would be utilised while ensuring that the state received financial assistance from the Centre.

However, on Friday, Prakash revised his position and denied saying that the government would definitely proceed with the scheme.

Speaking to reporters in Pathanamthitta, he said any decision would depend on the findings of the cabinet-appointed subcommittee.

"The next course of action will be based on the subcommittee's report. The state has differences of opinion with the Centre on certain matters, and the PM SHRI scheme is one of them," he said.

Prakash also reiterated that the UDF had not separately deliberated on the PM SHRI scheme.

"There was no dispute over the issue. I never said that we would move forward with the PM SHRI scheme," Prakash said.

The PM SHRI scheme was introduced by the Centre to develop selected government schools into model institutions. Although the previous LDF government signed an MoU to implement the programme, its rollout was later put on hold following opposition from the then Opposition UDF and sections within the Left Democratic Front, including the CPI. (PTI)