THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala joining the PM SHRI scheme, which was opposed by the CPI, was a strategic decision, said Education Minister V Sivankutty. The minister claimed that this was a strategic attempt to overcome the Centre's withholding of thousands of crores of rupees of funds due to children. "The state of Kerala is facing a severe financial crisis. The funds due to children cannot be withheld. The lack of funds has affected the education allowance in the state. The Centre has withheld the Sarva Shiksha Fund because Kerala did not join the PM SHRI scheme. Rs 1158.13 crore has been lost due to this," the minister said. "Kerala will get Rs 1476 crore now as it has joined the PM SHRI scheme. The future of children cannot be compromised by any pressure," he clarified.

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