Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Education Minister V Sivankutty on Friday defended the state government's decision to sign the PM SHRI scheme, describing it as a strategic step to secure central funds while maintaining Kerala's educational policies.

Addressing a press conference, Sivankutty said the move was aimed at countering the Centre's withholding of funds meant for children. “This government will not allow any measure that undermines public education or deprives children of their rightful funds. Our children will not lose a single rupee they are entitled to,” he said.

The minister noted that funds under the Samagra Shiksha programme had been withheld as Kerala had not joined PM SHRI, citing Rs 1,087.87 crore for 2023-24, Rs 1,054.13 crore for 2024-25, and Rs 1,486.01 crore from previous years, with a cumulative loss of Rs 1,187.13 crore. By signing the scheme, Kerala will receive pending and current allocations, totaling Rs 1,477.13 crore, of which Rs 471.01 crore has been approved by the Centre.

Sivankutty said nearly 40 lakh public school students, including 5.61 lakh SC/ST students and 1.11 lakh differently-abled children, were directly affected by the fund shortfall, impacting essential services such as uniforms, textbooks, girl child allowances, pre-primary education, teacher training, and examinations under the Right to Education Act.

He clarified that signing PM SHRI does not equate to adopting NEP 2022, describing the alignment as “purely technical.” The state retains full control over its syllabus, including topics removed by NCERT, while continuing to emphasise secularism, scientific temper, and constitutional values.

The minister stressed that the 'PM SHRI' label is technical and does not mandate displaying the Prime Minister's name or photo, noting similar naming conventions for other central schemes.

Sivankutty added that discussions with the Centre resolved Kerala's concerns, and signing the agreement prevented loss of funds. He also confirmed the state's ongoing Supreme Court challenge over fund denial remains active.

He acknowledged that education policies evolve globally and defended Kerala's adaptive approach. Responding to CPI criticism, he said he was not part of LDF discussions and emphasised that policies must adjust with changing circumstances.