UDF to clarify stand on PM SHRI soon: Minister

The United Democratic Front government will soon clarify its stand on the implementation of PM SHRI in Kerala, General Education Minister N. Samsudheen said.

Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, the minister said that the Left Democratic Front government had signed up to the scheme, but when it led to an uproar, it decided to keep the scheme. The UDF government replaced the LDF government. “Legal advice will have to be sought as to whether one of the parties to the MoU can withdraw from it unilaterally. What will be the impact if they withdraw from the agreement. All this will have to be looked into to decide on PM SHRI.”

The minister highlighted the UDF’s political opposition to the scheme. The UDF was of the view that federal principles should be maintained. The problem, however, was that if states were sanctioned under certain conditions, or if those conditions were not met, funds were denied. The UDF was also against the content of the PM SHRI scheme, he said.

On why the UDF was reluctant to say that it would not implement the scheme due to its opposition, the minister said the UDF leadership would take a decision after considering all aspects. “Different states have taken different positions. Some implemented the scheme and got funds. Others did not implement it and tried to get funds sanctioned through court. The decision will be taken politically,” he said.

Published – 26 May 2026 21:43 IST