EducationReform – Sonia Gandhi Criticises Centre Over Handling of Student Protests
EducationReform –Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has strongly criticised the Narendra Modi-led government over its response to recent student protests, alleging that demands for education reforms and greater accountability have been answered with force rather than meaningful engagement. In an opinion article published on Friday, Gandhi argued that students raising concerns about the education system should be heard through dialogue instead of being treated with suspicion or hostility.
Sonia Gandhi Raises Concerns Over Student Protests
In her article, An Education System’s Collapse, Young India’s Trauma, Gandhi said students represent the country’s future and deserve support from both society and the government. She maintained that standing with young people is a moral, constitutional, and political responsibility, especially when they are peacefully voicing concerns about issues affecting their education and careers.
According to Gandhi, the recent wave of demonstrations reflects growing frustration over examination-related controversies, declining confidence in the education system, and a perceived lack of government accountability. She claimed that these protests are rooted in genuine concerns rather than political motives.
Allegations Over Police Action
Referring to the protests held on July 20, 2026, Gandhi alleged that police used excessive force while attempting to disperse demonstrators in Delhi. She claimed that several students sustained injuries during baton charges and the use of tear gas, adding that even individuals who were leaving the protest sites were reportedly affected.
Drawing comparisons with previous protest movements, including demonstrations against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the National Register of Citizens, as well as protests involving women wrestlers, Gandhi alleged that the government has repeatedly relied on force instead of dialogue when dealing with public dissent.
Criticism of Education Policies
Gandhi argued that the government’s education policies have weakened public education over the past several years. She claimed that budget allocations for school and higher education have declined as a share of overall government expenditure, while the number of public schools has reduced alongside the growth of private educational institutions.
According to her, these developments have increased the financial burden on families, forcing many parents to spend significant amounts on private education and competitive examination coaching. She cited NEET coaching expenses as an example of the rising costs faced by students seeking professional education.
Questions Raised Over Examination System
The Congress leader also questioned the functioning of the country’s examination framework, particularly the National Testing Agency (NTA). She argued that greater centralisation of entrance examinations through bodies such as the NTA has created additional challenges for students.
Gandhi alleged that repeated examination paper leaks have damaged confidence in the system and called for stronger institutional safeguards. She further claimed that the agency remains understaffed and depends heavily on private contractors to conduct examinations, raising concerns about administrative efficiency and transparency.
Call for Accountability and Dialogue
Highlighting employment challenges faced by graduates, Gandhi said students are struggling not only to secure quality education but also to find well-paying jobs after completing their studies. She argued that these factors have contributed to increasing anxiety among young people.
The Congress leader also criticised Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that recommendations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education regarding reforms to the National Testing Agency were not given due consideration. She further stated that the government’s approach has failed to address growing public concerns surrounding education.
Concluding her remarks, Gandhi urged the government to engage constructively with students, listen to their grievances, and introduce meaningful reforms instead of responding with confrontation. She maintained that restoring confidence in India’s education system requires transparency, accountability, and sustained dialogue with all stakeholders.