Kerala and PM SRI: Politics or Progress?
— V. R. Ajith Kumar
Kerala has long been
known for thinking differently when it comes to education. The state has often
deviated from traditional educational models followed elsewhere in India—an
approach that has brought both advantages and disadvantages to generations of students.
Interestingly, the Central Government’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
has incorporated many of the models that Kerala pioneered years ago.
However, due to
political opposition, Kerala chose not to sign the Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with the Union Government for implementing certain schemes under the NEP.
As a result, the state lost substantial financial assistance, and more importantly,
its students were deprived of a broader national educational vision. Many who
care deeply about the future of education in Kerala now view this ideological
tussle between the Centre and the state with concern.
In India’s federal
system, development ideally moves forward in a “double-engine”
manner—when both the Central and State Governments pull in the same direction,
progress accelerates and efficiency improves. Unfortunately, in Kerala’s case,
the engines seem to be moving in opposite directions. The Centre and the state
are politically at odds, and this conflict often hampers effective governance.
It is essential to
separate politics from governance. Availing the maximum benefits of Central
schemes should not be seen as a political concession but as a practical step
toward public welfare. It is immature to believe that cooperating with the
Centre automatically strengthens the BJP or weakens the Left.
Kerala has undertaken
extensive school renovations through KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure
Investment Fund Board) funding—funds that must eventually be repaid with
interest. But what would be the harm in implementing centrally sponsored
schemes like PM SRI, where 60% of the cost is borne by the Central
Government? The financial benefit alone should make the state reconsider
its stance.
What is PM SRI?
PM SRI stands for Prime Minister’s Schools for
Rising India. The scheme aims to transform select existing schools into model
institutions aligned with the spirit and philosophy of the National
Education Policy 2020. It includes Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya
Vidyalayas, and other government schools, with the goal of raising educational
standards and inspiring nearby schools to improve as well.
The PM SRI initiative
promotes holistic education and shifts the focus from rote learning to competency-based
learning. It emphasizes smart classrooms, digital learning tools,
e-content, infrastructure upgrades, vocational training, IT and AI skills,
as well as opportunities for internships and entrepreneurship.
The scheme also
stresses collaboration with local industries, practical learning, and
conceptual understanding. Furthermore, PM SRI schools are envisioned as green
schools—implementing projects such as solar energy, LED lighting,
nutritional gardens, waste management, plastic-free zones, water conservation,
and rainwater harvesting.
Implementation and Scope
The project runs for five
years (2022–23 to 2026–27). Schools are identified through a transparent
selection process using UDISE (Unified District Information System
for Education) data. Each state must sign an MoU with the Centre to ensure full
compliance with the NEP.
A school will earn the
PM SRI status only after a competitive evaluation and a field inspection. The School
Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) will be used to continuously monitor
progress.
The total project cost
is ₹27,360 crore, of which the Centre contributes ₹18,128 crore
and the states ₹9,232 crore. Each block can have a maximum of two PM SRI
schools, and it is mandatory to use the regional language as the medium
of instruction at least up to Class V. Across India, 14,500 schools and
about 18 lakh students are expected to benefit from the programme.
Kerala’s Missed Opportunity
Kerala’s decision to
stay out of the PM SRI scheme was, in my opinion, a serious mistake. The
initiative could have further enhanced the pioneering work done through IT@School
and KITE, and elevated Kerala’s already commendable education system to
new heights.
If recent reports are
true—that the Centre has agreed to include Kerala in the scheme even at
this late stage—it would be wise for the Chief Minister and the Education
Minister to seize the opportunity. They should rise above political
resistance, including that from the CPI, and make a decision in the best
interests of Kerala’s students and the future of education in the state.
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