Kerala PM-SHRI Scheme Decision On Hold in Kerala, Cabinet Panel Report Awaited

The Kerala government has put its decision on implementing the Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) scheme on hold, awaiting a report from a special Cabinet sub-committee. General Education Minister N. Shamsudheen stated on September 6, 2026, that there was no immediate need to take a final call on the centrally sponsored scheme.

This development comes as the UDF government assesses the scheme’s implications, acknowledging existing differences between the Centre and the state, and against the backdrop of a previous LDF government’s commitment to set up PM-SHRI. The scheme, aiming to transform over 14,500 existing schools into exemplar institutions, is expected to directly benefit more than 20 lakh students nationwide.

PM-Shri Scheme: Background and Objectives

The PM-SHRI scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative designed to develop existing schools into model institutions that show deploying the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These exemplar schools are intended to provide a safe and stimulating learning environment, enhanced physical infrastructure, and appropriate learning resources, focusing on a big-picture educational experience.

Key improvements proposed under the PM-SHRI scheme include advancements in digital learning facilities, the establishment of smart classrooms, upgrading sports infrastructure, and complete teacher training programs. The Ministry of Education (Government of India) envisions these schools as hubs for quality education, equipped with modern amenities and pedagogical approaches.

Kerala Government’s Stance and Cabinet Sub-Committee

General Education Minister N. Shamsudheen confirmed on September 6, 2026, that the Kerala government is currently assessing the circumstances surrounding the PM-SHRI scheme. He emphasized that a final decision would be made only after receiving the report from the special Cabinet sub-committee, which was constituted by the UDF government after it assumed office.

Minister Shamsudheen also highlighted that the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had signed an agreement with the Centre, assuring that Kerala would set up PM-SHRI. However, the implementation was then put on hold by the LDF government itself due to internal opposition within the ruling front at the time.

Political Reactions and Differing Views

The decision to put the PM-SHRI scheme on hold has drawn varied reactions from political parties in Kerala. BJP state vice-president R Sreelekha urged the Kerala government to sign the scheme’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the earliest, stating that PM-SHRI could strengthen schools through better digital learning facilities, smart classrooms, sports infrastructure, and teacher training.

Conversely, CPI leader K Rajan strongly opposed the scheme, warning of protests if the UDF government proceeds with its implementation. Rajan claimed there was widespread opposition to PM-SHRI in Kerala and stated, “If the UDF government and the Chief Minister (V D Satheesan) go ahead with implementing PM-SHRI by overriding the public sentiment of Keralam, they will have to face severe consequences in the state.”

Congress leader and AICC general secretary K C Venugopal criticized K Rajan’s opposition, pointing out his role in the previous LDF Cabinet when the agreement to put in place PM-SHRI was initially signed. Venugopal also stated that the Congress would oppose any attempt to introduce “Sangh Parivar ideology” into Kerala’s education system, indicating a complex political space surrounding the scheme’s future in the state.

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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