Thiruvananthapuram: After many controversies, Kerala has now decided to implement the PM-Shri project. V Sivankutty, Minister for Education in Kerala, openly admitted that he decided to sign the Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the central government targeting the central fund and considering the financial loss if the project is not implemented. However, he stated that the implementation of the project will be done only after analysing the special situation in Kerala.
The PM-Shri project is a centrally sponsored scheme initiated by the Government of India. Its objective is to upgrade and strengthen schools to provide a comprehensive, modern and joyful school environment in accordance with the national education policy.
A school with better infrastructure will get financial assistance of up to Rs 1 crore through the scheme to demonstrate excellence over a specified period. For this, states should sign a MoU. Kerala was not ready for this because of the Left government’s insistence of not implementing the scheme.
332 schools in Kerala will get the benefit of PM-Shri scheme. Kerala will get Rs 1,008 crore as central share for five years. The Education Minister explained that if the project is not implemented, the state will face a loss of Rs 978.53 crore. The scheme is implemented through Samagra Shiksha, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti.
If the project is not implemented, there will be a loss of Rs 187.78 crore from the fund for Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) in the coming academic year. The state will also lose Rs 165.40 crore under the STARS scheme and Rs 385.35crores under SSK funds due for the 2024-25 academic year.
Comments