Rahul Gandhi accuses BJP, RSS of hollowing out India's education system

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi criticised the functioning of India’s education system during a student outreach programme in Indore on Sep 19, raising issues related to examinations, recruitment, education funding and access to facilities.

Speaking at the fifth edition of ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’, organised around the theme ‘system versus students’, Gandhi said students should be able to question institutions and seek accountability. He alleged that the existing system discouraged such questioning and had weakened parts of the education sector.

Recruitment and examination concerns raised by students

Students participating in the programme raised concerns about recruitment delays, examination irregularities, education costs and university-related issues.

One group of candidates discussed the delay in appointments to government posts in Madhya Pradesh, including positions affected by a legal dispute concerning the OBC quota. Gandhi also said he would support teacher recruitment aspirants who have been protesting over vacancies.

The event also touched on question-paper leaks and concerns over the transparency of competitive examinations, issues Gandhi has repeatedly raised in his interactions with students.

Rahul Gandhi raises questions over education funding

Rahul Gandhi also made several claims about government spending and access to education.

He said the share of education in the Union Budget had fallen from 4.6 per cent in 2014 to 2.6 per cent and claimed that 1.5 crore students had lost access to scholarships over the past decade. He also claimed that around one lakh government schools had closed and that there were about 10 lakh vacant teaching posts. These figures were presented by Gandhi during the event.

Congress accuses BJP-RSS of weakening education system

Following Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh alleged that the BJP and RSS had weakened and corrupted the education system.

Ramesh said students were demanding accountability and argued that Gandhi was supporting their concerns. His remarks followed Gandhi’s criticism of what he described as a wider political and institutional ‘system’.

Gandhi also criticised what he described as a preference for unquestioning supporters over students who challenge authority. His remarks included references to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and business leaders Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani.

Madhya Pradesh government challenges Gandhi's claims

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav criticised Gandhi's Indore programme and said he should have presented facts and data while discussing education and students.

Yadav described the event as ‘Jhoot Ki Goonj’ and accused Gandhi of making claims without adequate preparation.

The exchange comes as education, recruitment examinations and employment remain prominent issues in Gandhi's recent outreach programmes with students and young people.