For months, opposition parties have targeted the government over examinations, paper leak allegations and the state of higher education. The Congress now wants to widen that conversation beyond individual controversies and turn it into a debate about the education system itself.On June 25, the party will launch a nationwide campaign titled “Chhatron Ki Goonj” (Students’ Echo), with press conferences planned across 28 cities. The Indian National Congress says the initiative is aimed at pushing for major education reforms and holding the Centre accountable for its record in the sector.
Congress seeks Education Minister’s resignation
In a statement issued by All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, the party demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Congress alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government has pursued policies of privatisation, centralisation and “Sanghification” of education over the past twelve years.“The crisis confronting the nation is not only one of unemployment but also of employability,” the party said, arguing that students are not being adequately prepared for future challenges.
Press conferences planned in 28 cities
The campaign will be rolled out through simultaneous press conferences in cities including Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Nagpur, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Vijayawada, Allahabad and Meerut.Senior leaders such as Pawan Khera, Rajeev Shukla, Priyank Kharge, Gaurav Gogoi, Supriya Shrinate, Kanhaiya Kumar, Imran Pratapgarhi and Srinivas B.V. are expected to lead the outreach effort in different regions.
Education at the centre of the campaign
Congress said the press conferences will mark the beginning of a wider national discussion on what it describes as the need for a modern, inclusive and future-ready education system.The party has invited students, teachers, parents and citizens to participate in the conversation.(with agency inputs)
