Kerala Agrees to Implement Centre’s PM-SHRI Schools Scheme

The CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government in Kerala has agreed to implement the PM Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme, signing an MoU with the Centre — a reversal from its earlier refusal to allow state schools to be labelled as “PM-SHRI” schools.

• About the PM-SHRI Scheme:
  • Launched: 2022
  • Objective: To develop 14,500 schools across India as model schools showcasing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
  • These schools will serve as “exemplars” for other institutions in their respective regions.
  • Applicable to existing elementary, secondary, and senior secondary schools run by the Centre, States, or local governments.
• Implementation Status:
  • So far, 13,070 schools have been selected under PM-SHRI.
  • Among these, 1,533 are Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) managed by the Central Government.
• Curriculum Framework:
  PM-SHRI schools are required to implement the recommendations of the NEP 2020 and follow either:
  • The National Curriculum Framework (NCF), or
  • The State Curriculum Framework (SCF) developed in line with the NEP.
• Funding and Linkage:
  • The Centre has linked the release of funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme to the implementation of PM-SHRI.
  • Samagra Shiksha is a centrally sponsored scheme with a 60:40 Centre-State funding ratio.
  • It supports:
    • Implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act
    • Uniforms and textbooks for government school students
    • Support for differently abled children
    • Reimbursement for EWS-category admissions in private schools.
  • States that refused to join PM-SHRI have faced delays or suspension of Samagra Shiksha funding.

Significance

• Marks a thaw in Centre–State tensions over education policy implementation.
• Could help modernise school infrastructure, improve learning outcomes, and strengthen NEP 2020 adoption in Kerala.
• Highlights the Centre’s strategy of linking flagship scheme participation to fund allocation for better compliance.