Thiruvananthapuram: The future of Kerala's school education funding has hit a roadblock as the Union Budget 2025 aligns education schemes with the National Education Policy (NEP). The Centre has allocated Rs 78,752 crore for the upcoming financial year, of which Rs 48,750 crore is dedicated to NEP-related schemes. Since Kerala has opted not to implement the NEP, it stands to lose crucial central funding.

Impact of NEP-related schemes

Various central funds, such as Samagra Shiksha, PM-Poshan, PM-Shri, and STARS (Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States), have traditionally supported Kerala’s school education. However, Kerala's decision to stay out of PM-Shri due to CPI opposition means it will miss out on several funding avenues for the upcoming academic year.

The total budget for comprehensive school education in 2025 is Rs 41,250 crore. This includes critical initiatives like prevention of dropout, free textbooks, travel facilities, and job training. A separate Rs 7,500 crore has been earmarked for smart classrooms, science labs, digital libraries, and other educational infrastructure in PM-Shri schools. Without participation in the scheme, Kerala risks missing out on these funds.

Minister Sivankutty criticises the budget

State Education Minister Sivankutty has expressed dissatisfaction with the budget, criticising it for focusing primarily on the PM-Shri scheme rather than addressing the broader educational needs. He pointed out that only 14,500 schools will be included in the PM-Shri mission. He also argued that the budget fails to address fundamental issues in school education that require immediate attention.

The Midday Meal Scheme

Under the PM-Poshan scheme, the Centre plans to establish kitchen gardens in one lakh schools to support the midday meal program. 

Kerala loses Atal Labs

The inclusion of Atal Tinkering Labs under the PM-Shri scheme also means Kerala will lose its share of these labs. Launched in 2016 at a cost of Rs 20 lakh per lab, these labs were aimed at fostering creativity and innovation in students. Kerala, by not joining the PM-Shri mission, will be excluded from this initiative as well.