CPI(M) extends an olive branch to CPI over differences on seeking PM-SHRI funds linked to complying with NEP

Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government has seemingly extended an olive branch to the Communist Party of India (CPI) after ideological differences emerged between the two ruling front allies over its controversial move to seek Prime Minister’s Schools to Raise India (PM-SHRI) scheme funds for the State’s “cash-strapped” general education sector.

CPI had stated that PM-SHRI funds to States are contingent on adherence to the National Education Policy (NEP).

Moreover, the CPI, CPI(M) and other non-BJP-ruled States opposed the NEP and shared the view that it was a political instrument of the Center encroaching on the jurisdiction of state governments and a covert attempt to impose a centralized model of school education across the country, ignoring linguistic, cultural and ethnic differences.

CPI’s concern

CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam had expressed concern that signing up for PM-SHRI funds could potentially sabotage the Left’s “informed national line” against the NEP.

It also said that since PM-SHRI has no retrospective effect, claiming 2022 scheme benefits with delay, which will end in 2026-27, would bring scant benefits to Kerala. He called the move a “bad financial and political bargain.”

CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby told reporters in New Delhi that CPI’s concerns were justified. He said LDF has firmly rejected NEP. However, he said the State will seek PM-SHRI funds without compromising on NEP.

Mr Baby said the LDF would try to reach a consensus among allies before making a final “principled call”.

Mr. Baby said the Central government’s proposal to link the release of States’ share towards general education was a blowback from Emergency Days.

“The Indira Gandhi government has undermined the autonomy of the States by moving the education list from the State list to the Concurrent list. Both Parliament and state Assemblies can legislate on the subject. However, if there is a conflict between the Central and State laws, the Central law prevails. Therefore, the LDF has to walk a tight political and legal tightrope to maintain the momentum of development of the education sector,” he said.

Mr. Baby noted that Congress-led State governments have signed up for PM-SHRI funds. He said Tamil Nadu had not rejected PM-SHRI. However, he refrained from accepting the NEP out of fear that the NEP would undermine the linguistic diversity of states and eliminate the two-language policy.

General Education Minister V. Sivankutty had claimed that PM-SHRI would transfer ₹ 1,446 crore to the exchequer to modernize government schools, fund educational research and pay 7,000-odd teachers.

Meanwhile, a CPI insider said that the party’s State Secretariat, executive branch and council will discuss the issue.