Thiruvananthapuram, 30 July (H.S.): The United Democratic Front (UDF) has decided to support the implementation of the Centre's PM SHRI school development scheme in Kerala, stressing that it is the State government's responsibility to secure and utilise all Central funds meant for public welfare.
Announcing the decisions taken at the UDF meeting, UDF Convener Adoor Prakash said the State should not forgo financial assistance that it is legitimately entitled to receive from the Union government. He asserted that Central funding was a matter of right and not an act of generosity, and therefore should be used effectively to strengthen the public education system.
Prakash also pointed out that the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government had already signed an agreement relating to the PM SHRI scheme, making it impractical for the present government to withdraw from the arrangement at this stage. He said the State government should move ahead with the project and ensure that the available funds are utilised for the benefit of students and schools.
Under the scheme, the Kerala government will decide which government schools will be selected for inclusion. The UDF said the primary objective should be to improve school infrastructure, modernise learning facilities and enhance the overall quality of public education by making effective use of the Central assistance available under the programme.
The opposition alliance also discussed the State government's proposal to levy tax on low-alcohol beverages. The UDF decided to constitute a special sub-committee to conduct a detailed study of the proposal before taking a final position. The committee will examine the possible financial, social and policy implications of the move and submit its recommendations to the front.
In another key decision, the UDF resolved to strengthen coordination among its constituent parties and intensify its role as the principal opposition in the State. To ensure regular policy discussions and coordinated political action, the alliance decided to hold UDF meetings every month on a regular basis. The leadership expressed confidence that closer coordination would enable the front to respond more effectively to emerging political and governance issues in Kerala.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
