General education department examining PM SHRI status: Minister

Kochi: General education minister N Samsudheen said at a media conference in Malappuram that department heads have been asked to examine the status of PM SHRI.

He said that different perspectives are being heard and while it is true that the previous govt signed the PM SHRI MoU, it needs to be checked if unilateral withdrawal is possible after signing the MoU. When controversy arose after signing, the previous govt wrote to temporarily halt it. We need to consider how to proceed, he said.

It is also a matter related to UDF’s policy. It is a decision that needs to be made politically. After signing, Rs 93 crore was taken by the state. Now, legal aspects need to be considered and a decision made. There is no change in stance. It is not right for the central govt to impose conditions on education, which is equally the right of both central and state govts. UDF will decide politically, Samsudheen said.

The minister added that it was true that there is a shortage of Plus One seats in some districts. The crisis is most severe in Malappuram. A decision has been taken that this time allotment will be made, including additional batches. Instead of taking admissions to additional batches after regular batch allotment, admissions will be conducted simultaneously, including 350 additional batches. If shortages still exist, solutions will be found in those districts, the minister said.

He added that he has taken office at the beginning of the academic year. The primary consideration is to provide facilities for all students to study. When granting additional seats, facilities for them must also be arranged. This process requires some time. There is a shortage in some districts. The previous govt relocated vacant batches to where they were needed. This will continue this time as well.

He added that the printing of textbooks is nearing completion. There was an issue with printing the rules. Printing was halted because the corporation under the Tamil Nadu govt was not paid. That has been resolved. Printing is being completed quickly. Every day completed books are being distributed to book depots and from there to schools. The printing centre distributes 3.5 lakh books per day. Only then can books reach all schools by May 30.

He added that officials have been asked about the possibilities of incorporating AI into education. Currently, there are very few IT-related lessons in the syllabus. More AI lessons can be included in the syllabus through textbook revisions. AI cannot be ignored.

The minister also added that if there is a practice of unnecessarily passing students, it will be examined.