Tensions in Indian Federalism Over PM SHRI Scheme and Central Funding for Education
Kerala recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Prime Minister Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme, despite initial opposition. The scheme, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to upgrade 14,500 schools. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal had resisted, arguing education is a Concurrent List subject and the NEP encroaches on state autonomy. The Centre has reportedly withheld Samagra Shiksha (SS) funds from states refusing to adopt PM SHRI, leading to legal challenges and debates on whether central financing should be used to influence states into policy compliance, impacting cooperative federalism.
Key Points
- PM SHRI is a centrally sponsored scheme designed to showcase the implementation of NEP-2020 in selected schools.
- States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala argue that the scheme imposes 'Indian Knowledge Systems' and infringes on state-level curriculum control.
- The withholding of Samagra Shiksha funds has led to salary arrears for teachers and non-teaching staff in non-compliant states.
- The conflict highlights the delicate balance of cooperative federalism regarding subjects on the Concurrent List.
Exam Facts
- Education was moved to the Concurrent List (List III) via the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976.
- The PM SHRI scheme targets the upgrade of 14,500 schools across India.
- Samagra Shiksha (SS) is the overarching program for the school education sector extending from pre-school to class 12.
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