Kerala’s UDF backs PM-SHRI citing need for federal funds
UDF Kerala said it will continue supporting PM SHRI linked to NEP after earlier sharp opposition, citing the risk of losing central education funds.
GS2GS1GS3The HinduGS2PM-SHRI schemeNew Education Policy (NEP)Federal funding and Centre-State relations
What happened: UDF Kerala reverses sharp opposition to PM SHRI support
Kerala’s United Democratic Front (UDF) leadership said it will continue supporting the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme linked to the New Education Policy (NEP). UDF leadership also described its earlier sharp opposition to PM SHRI as reversed.
UDF convener Adoor Prakash said Kerala cannot afford to lose substantial central funding for school education. Adoor Prakash argued that Kerala’s fiscal commitments constrain the ability of the Congress-led Kerala government to unwind prior decisions related to PM SHRI.
Adoor Prakash rejected the claim that UDF made a political turnaround. Adoor Prakash alleged that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) education line on “saffronisation” was meant to mislead voters ahead of the 2026 elections, and Adoor Prakash blamed the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) for the political difficulty for UDF.
Background and earlier position: opposition to continued PM SHRI support
What changed now: UDF focuses on central funding risk and PM SHRI MoU consultation
