Kerala's Minister for General Education, V Sivankutty, launched a sharp critique on Thursday, alleging partial treatment by the Union government towards the state and accusing the Congress party of political duplicity. The minister's comments came in response to statements made by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in the Rajya Sabha regarding the PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) scheme.
Congress 'Double Standards' Weakened Resistance: Sivankutty
Sivankutty, addressing reporters, claimed that the double standards of the Congress party significantly diluted the collective political resistance that opposition parties had initially promised against the central PM SHRI scheme. He pointed out that Congress-ruled states have actively implemented the scheme and received substantial funds from the Centre.
"Had the governments run by non-BJP parties opposed the PM SHRI and refused to implement it, the resistance against the central scheme would not have weakened," Sivankutty asserted. He provided specific financial data to back his claim, noting that the Congress-led Karnataka government received Rs 868.30 crore as PM SHRI funds for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Furthermore, for 2025-26, the Centre approved a massive Rs 10,103 crore under the scheme, of which Karnataka has already obtained over Rs 517 crore. The Telangana government has also received more than Rs 269 crore for the project in the current financial year.
Kerala's Funds Blocked, Contrast with Other States Highlighted
The minister contrasted this with Kerala's situation, alleging a deliberate blockage of funds. He stated that while Congress governments in other states seamlessly claim their share, Congress MPs from Kerala are attempting to block central funds destined for the state. The core issue revolves around Kerala's reluctance to implement the PM SHRI scheme.
As a consequence, the Centre has blocked over Rs 1,160 crore due to Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) for not adhering to the scheme's guidelines. Sivankutty defended the efforts of MP John Brittas to secure these funds for the state, stating there was nothing wrong in such advocacy.
"I along with Brittas called on the Union minister several times for the release of SSK funds. We both don't need the certificate of Congress or Muslim League in the fight against RSS," the Kerala minister remarked, distancing their actions from other political factions.
CPM Defends Bridge-Building, Vows Continued Resistance
In a related development, John Brittas confirmed that he acted as a conduit between Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Minister Sivankutty to facilitate the release of central funds. However, he clarified that he did not broker any agreement regarding the PM SHRI scheme between the Centre and Kerala.
CPM state secretary M V Govindan strongly defended reports of Brittas acting as a bridge between the governments. "There will be more such bridges in the future," Govindan stated. "Why should anyone get disturbed about it? We will build as many bridges as needed between Centre and state in the future."
Govindan elaborated that the CPM seeks a cordial relationship with the Centre but will firmly oppose any neglect of the state's legitimate demands. He made it clear that the LDF government will not implement the RSS agenda in any field, including education, even as it engages in dialogue for the welfare of the state.
The episode underscores the ongoing political and fiscal tensions between the Kerala government and the Centre, with the state's ruling front accusing the BJP-led Union government of discrimination and the principal national opposition, the Congress, of compromising its stance for financial gain.
