Keralam yet to decide on PM SHRI as Centre presses for action

The Keralam government has not yet taken a call on whether to go ahead with the PM SHRI scheme, General Education Minister N. Samsudheen has said, after the Centre sent a fresh letter urging action on an agreement signed by the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government.

Speaking on Saturday, the Minister said the United Democratic Front (UDF) was opposed to PM SHRI, but that the government was still examining the options available to it in view of the agreement left behind by its predecessor. The issue is being discussed at various levels and is expected to come before a Cabinet subcommittee next week, he said.

Mr. Samsudheen made clear that the opposition to the scheme was not confined to the Indian Union Muslim League and the Muslim Youth League, stating that the entire UDF was against PM SHRI. While the government is obliged to consider the agreement signed by the previous administration, that does not mean the scheme will be implemented, he added.

Inquiry into drugs at sports meet

On a separate matter, the Minister described as serious the allegations that students had used performance-enhancing drugs at a school sports meet. He said the Director of General Education had been asked to hold an inquiry, and that the officer's transfer would not come in the way of the probe. The department would ensure a proper investigation, he said.

Mr. Samsudheen said any attempt to push students towards performance-enhancing drugs rather than developing their natural abilities would be viewed seriously. If teachers were found to be involved, the matter would be treated with even greater seriousness and strict action would follow, he added.