New Delhi, 27 June (H.S.):

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday urged party leaders across the country to actively support the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' campaign launched by the Indian Youth Congress and the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), describing it as a movement to build a fair, transparent and equitable education system for the country's youth.

In a letter addressed to Congress general secretaries, state in-charges, Pradesh Congress Committee presidents and district and city unit chiefs, Gandhi appealed to the party organisation to transform the campaign into a nationwide movement. He said the initiative aims to ensure equal opportunities for students and create an education system that is free from discrimination and exploitation.

Highlighting the challenges faced by young people, Gandhi said students across the country are dealing with an unprecedented crisis marked by repeated examination paper leaks, cancelled recruitment tests, multiple re-examinations, delays in government hiring, a large number of vacant public sector posts, rising unemployment and the increasing cost of education.

He said these issues have caused widespread anxiety among students and their families, affecting both their academic progress and future career prospects. Gandhi stressed that the country's youth deserve an education system that is transparent, accountable and capable of providing equal opportunities to every student, irrespective of their social or economic background.

The Congress leader alleged that the existing education system has become one of oppression and extortion, claiming that students are being burdened by repeated administrative failures and rising educational expenses. He said the party's student and youth wings have launched the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' campaign to raise these concerns and demand structural reforms.

Calling upon party workers to actively participate in the campaign, Gandhi urged Congress leaders at every organisational level to engage with students, understand their concerns and strengthen the movement through public outreach. He said the campaign should become a platform to amplify the voices of students and advocate meaningful reforms in the education sector.

The Indian Youth Congress and NSUI have been organising programmes under the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' campaign to highlight issues related to examinations, recruitment, educational affordability and employment opportunities. The campaign is expected to include student interactions, public meetings and awareness drives in different parts of the country over the coming weeks.

Gandhi expressed confidence that a united effort by the party and student organisations could help pave the way for an education system that is more inclusive, transparent and responsive to the aspirations of India's youth.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar