In a significant pivot, the Kerala government has decided to pause the implementation of the PM SHRI Schools scheme and assemble a high-level review panel before moving ahead. The decision comes after the state recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Centre, following earlier resistance on grounds of centralisation under the National Education Policy 2020. 

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan confirmed that a seven-member cabinet sub-committee has been constituted, chaired by the Education Minister, to examine the agreement further. The committee will include ministers from revenue, public works, law, agriculture, electricity and forest portfolios The government stressed that the committee’s recommendations will determine Kerala’s final position and will be formally communicated to the Union government. 

The timing of the pause is noteworthy. Kerala had signed the MoU with the scheme shortly beforehand, despite previously raising concerns that the NEP would erode federal principles in education governance. The state had held out on the scheme earlier, and was reportedly facing the withholding of over Rs 1,158 crore in Samagra Shiksha funding across three fiscal years due to non-participation. 

The review gives Kerala time to assess key implications from how the scheme aligns with state autonomy to potential financial, infrastructural and operational burdens. Among the questions likely to be considered: What changes would schools need to adopt? How would staffing, curriculum and governance be impacted? And importantly, would this model fit the state’s existing ecosystem or require major shifts?

For stakeholders parents, students, teachers and administrators the pause means a period of uncertainty. Schools that may have been preparing to switch to the PM SHRI model will now await clarity. On the flip side, the decision reflects the government’s cautious approach and willingness to step back rather than commit to a major shift without full scrutiny.

In sum, Kerala’s decision underscores the complexities involved when national level education initiatives interface with state-level systems. It signals that implementation of schemes may require deeper alignment and detailed review, not just a formal nod. How the review plays out and whether the state eventually adopts, modifies or declines the scheme will be closely watched by other states facing similar choices.