Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is set to comply with the directives of the central government for the implementation of the PM Shri scheme, aimed at accessing central funds. The state will now enforce the requirement of six years as the age for first standard admission in public schools by the next academic year. Compliance with the National Education Policy 2020 is also mandated for getting benefits in the PM Shri scheme for infrastructure development in selected schools.
Earlier, V Sivankutty, Kerala’s Minister of General Education, affirmed the state’s decision to implement the PM Shri scheme, acknowledging the significant financial benefits from the Centre. Despite Kerala’s initial opposition to the National Education Policy, the state now seeks to leverage central funds and has expressed readiness to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the scheme.
PM Shri schools will serve as pilot centers for the central policy, benefiting 332 schools in Kerala. While the six-year-age requirement may not be implemented immediately due to ongoing admissions, it is slated for enforcement from the following academic year. Non-compliance with the central directives could potentially lead to legal disputes with the Centre.
Given the importance of central funds for various education projects, Kerala must navigate its relationship with the Centre carefully to avoid backlash. Additionally, the state will need to adhere to other provisions of the National Education Policy, including reforms such as four-year undergraduate courses and the promotion of private and foreign universities.
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