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31 July 2026

Kerala UDF's stance on PM-SHRI schools

The topic highlights the core constitutional and governance challenges of fiscal federalism and the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes like PM-SHRI, which are recurring themes in UPSC Mains.

1 min read Day 2 of 4 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • The PM-SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) scheme is linked to the New Education Policy (NEP).
  • The scheme involves a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Central government and state governments for the provision of federal funding for school education.
  • Fiscal federalism challenges arise when state governments face pressure to accept centrally sponsored schemes to secure necessary funding, despite ideological or policy-based reservations.
  • The continuity of governance principle suggests that successor governments are often bound by the fiscal and administrative commitments made by their predecessors.
  • Concerns have been raised regarding the lack of broad-based consultations and transparency in the signing of inter-governmental agreements between the Centre and States.

Part of a longer story

This is day 2 of 4 in Kerala political row over PM SHRI scheme implementation, which has been running since 25 June 2026. Reading it whole is usually worth more than reading today alone — the exam asks how something developed.

Questions

  1. Examine the challenges of fiscal federalism in India, particularly regarding the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes in education. How can states balance the need for central financial assistance with the constitutional mandate for state-level policy autonomy? 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. The principle of continuity in governance is essential for administrative stability, yet it often creates friction when new governments inherit policy commitments from their predecessors. Discuss this in the context of inter-governmental agreements and the need for greater transparency in federal decision-making processes. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following best describes the nature of the PM-SHRI scheme in the context of Indian federalism?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-31/kerala-udf-s-stance-on-pm-shri-schools