PM SHRI row: CPI upset with CPM over delay in cancelling MoU with Centre

Thiruvananthapuram: The CPI has expressed displeasure with the CPM after the state government failed to send a letter to the Centre formally withdrawing from the PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) scheme. However, to avoid rekindling another dispute, the CPI chose not to raise the issue during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.

Since the CPI State Council on Tuesday had called for clarity on the matter, there had been plans to bring it up in the Cabinet. But CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam reportedly instructed Ministers on Wednesday not to discuss the issue at this stage, as it had already been politically settled with the CPM.

Meanwhile, Binoy Viswam has conveyed the CPI’s concern to the CPM leadership regarding the delay in sending the letter to the Centre. The CPM is said to have assured that the existing understanding would not be violated and that the delay was purely technical. Consequently, the CPI has decided to monitor developments and express its opposition again if necessary.

Some sections argue that the Centre’s recent release of SSK (Samagra Shiksha Kerala) funds was a result of the state’s delay in sending the withdrawal letter. However, legal experts point out that the release of funds was linked to the appointment of special educators under the Right to Education Act and that the Centre was compelled to act following the matter reaching the Supreme Court.

No discord between allies, says Minister Sivankutty

General Education Minister V Sivankutty dismissed suggestions of tension, clarifying that the letter to the Centre was not deliberately delayed and that a legal advice was awaited. “I don’t believe the CPI is upset over the matter. There’s no gain or loss in this controversy. Kerala will go to any extent to secure the eligible central funds,” the Minister said.