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

At a press conference here on Tuesday, the Minister said the Left Democratic Front government had signed up for the scheme, but when it led to a furore it decided to keep the scheme in abeyance. The UDF government had succeeded the LDF government. “Legal advice will have to be sought on whether one of the parties to the memoradum of understanding can withdraw from it unilaterally. What will be the impact if it withdraws from the agreement. All this will have to be explored for a decision on PM SHRI.”

The Minister underscored the UDF’s political opposition to the scheme. The UDF was of the opinion that federal principles should be maintained. However, it was a problem if funds were sanctioned to States on certain conditions or funds denied if those conditions were not met. The UDF was also opposed to the content of the PM SHRI scheme, he said.

On why the UDF was reluctant to say it would not implement the scheme considering its opposition, the Minister said the UDF leadership would take a decision considering all aspects. “Various States have taken different positions. Some implemented the scheme and received funds. Others did not implement it and tried to get funds sanctioned through court. A decision will be taken politically,” he said.