Govt cleared school funds for Kerala after it signed PM-SHRI MoU, show answers in LS, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• The Union Education Ministry released Rs 92.41 crore to Kerala under the Samagra Shiksha scheme after the state signed the PM-SHRI MoU.
• Kerala had initially refused to implement the PM-SHRI scheme, leading the Centre to withhold school education funds.
• The Kerala government placed the implementation of PM-SHRI on hold in mid-November due to disagreements between ruling allies.
• Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan confirmed that Kerala signed the PM-SHRI MoU on October 23, 2025.

Detailed Insights:

• The released funds represent the first installment under the Samagra Shiksha scheme for the financial year 2025-26, with a total central share of Rs 452.04 crore approved for Kerala.
• The 'challenge mode' in the PM-SHRI scheme involves schools competing for funding to be developed as model institutes after the MoU is signed.
• The implementation of PM-SHRI was put on hold due to a dispute between the CPI(M) and CPI, highlighting political challenges in adopting central government schemes in states.
• The Centre's decision to release funds after Kerala signed the MoU indicates a cooperative federalism approach, where funds are contingent on states' participation in central schemes.

Key Concepts Involved:

• PM-SHRI: A central scheme to upgrade select government schools into model institutes.
• Samagra Shiksha: A school education scheme aimed at improving the quality of education at all levels.
• MoU (Memorandum of Understanding): A formal agreement between parties outlining terms for collaboration.