Kasaragod (Kerala) | Congress MP Rajmohan Unnithan on Thursday said the PM-SHRI scheme of the Centre should not be implemented in Kerala, alleging that it was linked to the NEP, which he claimed was detrimental to the state and future generations.

Replying to reporters' queries here, Unnithan said the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme was part of the National Education Policy (NEP) and alleged that several decisions taken by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) under the policy were against the interests of Kerala.

"Those decisions should not be implemented as it is dangerous to the state and the coming generation," he said.

The Congress leader alleged that the previous LDF government had signed the PM SHRI agreement with the Centre without discussing it within the CPI(M), the Left Front or the Cabinet.

"That agreement was kept in abeyance following objections raised by the CPI," he claimed.

Unnithan said the UDF government had constituted a high-powered committee to examine the issue.

"The committee met on Wednesday and will hold further discussions. The Kerala government will sign the PM SHRI agreement only after the committee arrives at a decision," he said.

On the controversy over the state budget proposal to reduce tax on low-alcohol beverages, Unnithan alleged that the previous LDF government had decided to manufacture and market such beverages but could not implement the proposal because of the Assembly elections.

"It is a continuation of the previous government's decision," he said.

He said any policy decision on liquor should be taken by the Congress after consultations with its UDF allies.

"The budget announcement was made without discussions with all concerned, which led to the criticism. The Chief Minister has realised the issue," Unnithan said.

He said Chief Minister V D Satheesan had made it clear that the proposal would be discussed by the UDF and that it would be withdrawn if the front and the Congress decided against it.

"The matter has to be discussed within the Congress and the UDF. The Chief Minister is bound to implement the decision taken by the front," he said.

On the issue of narcotics, Unnithan said eradicating the drug menace was essential to protect the younger generation.

He said narcotic substances were being smuggled into the country through various sea and land routes and urged the Kerala government to continue with its campaign against drug trafficking.