Inspired By Supreme Court's Tamil Nadu Precedent, Kerala Vows Legal Action Over Withheld Central Education Funds

The Kerala government has announced its intent to pursue both legal and protest avenues to reclaim over Rs 1,500 crore in central funds allegedly withheld due to the state's refusal to sign the PM SHRI scheme Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reported PTI.

Kerala’s General Education Minister, V Sivankutty, on Tuesday (13 May) accused the Centre of discriminatory practices and said Kerala would join hands with Tamil Nadu to secure its financial entitlements under centrally sponsored education schemes.

"I have already spoken to the Tamil Nadu Education Minister twice and will be meeting him next week," Sivankutty told PTI, indicating a united front by the two southern states.

The funds were reportedly withheld after Kerala declined to sign the MoU linked to the PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) scheme, which aims to upgrade selected schools across the country.

However, Kerala's hopes have been lifted by a recent Supreme Court ruling in a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government, which clarified that states are under no legal obligation to implement the National Education Policy (NEP).

"I had personally discussed the issue with the Union Education Minister on two occasions and have also written to the Centre requesting the release of funds owed to the state." Sivankutty said.

He further claimed, "They have even blocked our Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) funds on the same grounds. The Centre has not responded positively, and we are now left with no choice but to pursue legal remedies and organise protests."

Calling for fairness, the Minister said that the Union government must recognise Kerala as an integral and significant part of the country and release the funds that are due.

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