BJP leader urges Kerala to join PM SHRI scheme, warns of fund loss

BJP state vice-president R. Sreelekha has urged the Kerala government to reconsider its stance on the PM SHRI school scheme, cautioning that staying away would mean losing crores of rupees in central assistance. Speaking on Saturday, she said political differences should not come in the way of the state's development.

Sreelekha alleged that the General Education department is under the influence of the Muslim League and accused the government of showing negligence towards the scheme after completing 100 days in office. She noted that several Congress leaders have also called for implementing PM SHRI in Kerala.

Around 47 government schools in the state are already functioning under the scheme, with visible improvements, including in Kendriya Vidyalayas. PM SHRI was launched as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and reports suggest the scheme may be extended until September 2027.

Sreelekha argued that disputes over the scheme's name or duration should not be used as reasons to withdraw. She said children are losing out on facilities and opportunities because of political posturing, and insisted that the BJP's position is clear: Kerala should be a partner in PM SHRI.