New Delhi, December 5, 2024 – The National Students Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Indian National Congress, held a large-scale protest in Delhi today, demanding urgent reforms and “justice for students” across the country. The protest, which saw participation from students hailing from various states, aimed to highlight the challenges plaguing India’s education system and urged the government to take immediate corrective actions.
Key Issues Raised by NSUI
The demonstrators voiced concerns over several critical aspects of the education system, including:
- Rising Cost of Education: Protesters decried the increasing tuition fees in universities and colleges, making higher education inaccessible to economically weaker sections.
- Inadequate Infrastructure: They pointed out the lack of proper facilities in public schools and universities, such as libraries, laboratories, and hostels.
- Delay in Scholarships and Fellowships: NSUI leaders claimed that delays in the disbursal of scholarships and research fellowships have severely affected students, particularly from marginalized communities.
- Youth Unemployment: The protest also emphasized the widening gap between education and employability, criticizing the lack of job-oriented courses and skills training in educational institutions.
NSUI’s Demands
Addressing the gathering, NSUI President Neeraj Kundan said, “The government cannot ignore the voices of millions of students who are being deprived of their right to quality and affordable education. We demand increased budget allocation for education, timely release of scholarships, and policy reforms that focus on the holistic development of students.”
The NSUI laid out a list of demands for the central government, including:
- Implementing fee regulation policies in private institutions.
- Revamping public universities and ensuring sufficient funding.
- Addressing the issue of unemployment by introducing skill-based education and industry tie-ups.
- Setting up a grievance redressal mechanism for students.
Protest Gains Momentum
The march started from Jantar Mantar and moved toward the Parliament Street, with students holding banners and chanting slogans like “Justice for Students” and “Education is a Right, Not a Privilege.” Police were deployed in large numbers to manage the crowd, and several roads in the central Delhi area were cordoned off to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Political Reactions
The protest has drawn mixed reactions from political circles. While Congress leaders extended their support to the students, BJP spokespersons criticized the demonstration, accusing the NSUI of politicizing educational issues for electoral gains.
A Broader Call for Action
The NSUI’s protest reflects a growing discontent among the youth over the state of education in India. With rising unemployment and an education system that many believe is failing to prepare students for future challenges, the calls for reform are only becoming louder.
Whether this demonstration will lead to tangible changes remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly brought education back into the national spotlight.
