UDF against PM-SHRI, but options are being explored, says Kerala Education Minister

N. Samsudheen, Kerala General Education Minister

The Kerala government has not decided whether to go ahead with the controversial PM SHRI scheme despite a fresh letter from the Center seeking action on the agreement signed by the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government, General Education Minister N. Samsudheen said here on Saturday.

He said the United Democratic Front (UDF) was against Prime Minister SHRI, but the government was examining its options on the agreement signed by the previous government. The matter is being discussed at various levels and will come before a cabinet sub-committee next week, he said.

The minister said that the entire UDF is against PM-SHRI, not just the Indian Union Muslim League and the Muslim Youth League. While the government is bound to consider the agreement signed by its predecessor, it does not mean that PM SHRI will be implemented, he added.

Drugs at a sports meeting

Mr Samsudheen said allegations that students had taken performance-enhancing drugs at a school sports meet were serious. He said the Director of General Education has been asked to conduct an inquiry. The minister said the director’s transfer would not affect the investigation and that the department would ensure a proper investigation. Any attempt to encourage students to use performance-enhancing drugs instead of developing their natural abilities would be taken seriously, he said. If teachers were involved, the matter would be taken up even more seriously and strict action would follow, he added.

Published – 12 Sep 2026 20:45 IST