DEV Community: newsoftheday

PM SHRI Scheme in Kerala: Education, Digital Learning and the Policy Debate

newsoftheday — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:27:30 +0000

India’s education system is changing rapidly, with technology, digital learning and skill development becoming increasingly important in government schools. One initiative connected with this transformation is the PM SHRI scheme, which aims to upgrade selected government schools and create modern learning environments.

The programme, however, has become a subject of discussion in Kerala because of questions surrounding education policy, funding and the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

What Is PM SHRI?

PM SHRI stands for PM Schools for Rising India. The Union Cabinet approved the scheme in 2022 with the objective of developing more than 14,500 existing government schools into model schools.

The programme focuses on improving several aspects of school education, including:

Modern school infrastructure
Digital learning facilities
Skill-based education
Sports and physical activities
Arts and creative learning
Holistic development of students

The broader objective is to demonstrate how existing government schools can be developed into institutions equipped for changing educational needs.

Why Is Kerala's Decision Important?

Kerala has already been involved in the PM SHRI process. The previous LDF government signed an MoU related to the scheme in October 2025. However, implementation was subsequently put on hold after concerns were raised within the political alliance.

One of the major concerns has been the relationship between PM SHRI and NEP 2020.

Kerala has its own approach to education policy, and questions have been raised about how centrally sponsored initiatives could affect the state's existing priorities.

A seven-member cabinet subcommittee was subsequently formed to examine the issue.

Centre Asks Kerala to Decide

The issue has gained fresh attention after the Centre sent another letter asking the Kerala government to take an early decision regarding PM SHRI.

General Education Minister N. Shamsuddin has confirmed the communication from the Centre.

The current UDF government must now consider the matter along with the recommendations of the cabinet subcommittee.

This makes the issue particularly interesting from an education-policy perspective because the final decision could affect how Kerala approaches other centrally supported education programmes in the future.

The Role of Digital Education

One of the most important elements of PM SHRI is its focus on modern learning.

Digital tools can provide students with access to educational resources beyond traditional textbooks and classroom teaching. Technology-enabled classrooms can also support interactive learning and introduce students to new methods of studying.

However, technology alone does not guarantee better education. Schools also require trained teachers, reliable infrastructure, appropriate learning materials and effective implementation.

This is why programmes designed to modernise government schools need to consider the complete educational ecosystem.

What Abu Salem’s Supreme Court Release Plea Means

newsoftheday — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 12:49:33 +0000

The Supreme Court has rejected gangster Abu Salem’s plea seeking premature release in connection with the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case.

The decision has attracted attention because Salem’s imprisonment is connected not only with his criminal conviction but also with the extradition assurances given by India to Portugal.

Why Abu Salem Asked for Early Release

Abu Salem was extradited from Portugal to India in November 2005. During the extradition process, India provided assurances concerning his punishment, including that he would not face the death penalty and that his imprisonment would not exceed 25 years under the relevant assurance.

Salem later argued that he had already completed the applicable period.

His legal team wanted the calculation to include the time he spent as an undertrial as well as remission he received for good conduct.

The government disagreed with this interpretation, arguing that ordinary prison remission could not simply be used to reduce the period arising from the extradition assurance.

The Bombay High Court’s Earlier Decision

Before the latest Supreme Court proceedings, Salem had approached the Bombay High Court.

In April 2026, the High Court rejected his request for premature release. The court held that the 25-year period associated with the extradition assurance could not be reduced through ordinary remission.

The court also indicated that the relevant period would be completed in November 2030.

Salem subsequently challenged the position before the Supreme Court.

What the Supreme Court Decided

The Supreme Court has now rejected Salem’s plea.

The decision means that his current argument for premature release, based on his calculation of custody and remission, will not result in his immediate release.

The ruling is particularly interesting from a legal perspective because it involves the interaction of three different issues:

criminal sentencing;
prison remission and custody calculations; and
international extradition assurances.

The case therefore goes beyond a simple question of how many years a prisoner has spent in custody.

अबू सलेम की रिहाई पर सुप्रीम कोर्ट का बड़ा फैसला, 25 साल की सजा में...

अबू सलेम ने रिमिशन और अंडरट्रायल अवधि जोड़कर 25 साल पूरे होने का दावा किया था। सुप्रीम कोर्ट ने समय से पहले रिहाई की मांग ठुकरा दी।

notdnews.com

PNB Fake Currency Case: ₹17.29 Crore in Suspected Fake Notes

newsoftheday — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:01:35 +0000

The PNB fake currency case involving suspected counterfeit notes worth ₹17.29 crore highlights the role of banking security, digital verification, and financial crime prevention. The NIA is investigating the case and the reported movement of counterfeit currency.