NEW DELHI: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Monday joined a protest organized by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. The demonstration addressed concerns over the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, University Grants Commission (UGC) draft rules, and recent paper leaks.
Addressing the gathering, Gandhi accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of attempting to undermine India’s education system. He warned that if the education system falls under RSS control, it could lead to widespread unemployment and jeopardize the nation’s future.
The protest witnessed clashes between NSUI members and law enforcement, resulting in several detentions by Delhi Police. Protesters displayed banners and chanted slogans demanding revisions to NEP 2020 and the withdrawal of the UGC draft rules. Gandhi further alleged that RSS-affiliated individuals are being appointed as vice-chancellors in universities nationwide, expressing concern over the growing influence of the RSS in educational institutions.
Highlighting the pressing issue of unemployment, Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not addressing the concerns of the youth, accusing the BJP-RSS model of concentrating wealth among a few industrialists while neglecting employment opportunities for the masses.
On March 19, similar protests occurred in Odisha, where NSUI activists demonstrated outside the Assembly in Bhubaneswar, voicing concerns over UGC’s draft regulations. Several NSUI members were detained during protests.
NSUI national president Varun Choudhary criticised the BJP’s education policies, alleging that they lead to privatisation, exam scams. He called for a transparent and fair examination system to protect the future of the youth.
An FIR has been registered against the NSUI president.
AISA demands student’s suspension revocation
All India Students’ Association (AISA) held a protest and public meeting at the Kashmere Gate campus of Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) on Monday, demanding the revocation of the unjust suspension of an AISA activist and a second-year Muslim female student pursuing her master’s in Global Affairs. The student was accused of indiscipline for critiquing the VC’s historical remarks on the Babri Masjid demolition in her Republic Day speech. Students gathered in large numbers at the AUD canteen, raising slogans before marching toward the VC’s office, only to be blocked by heavy barricading. Students continued their sit-in, refusing to back down until their demands were met.