Congress Launches 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' Campaign for Education Reform

The Indian National Congress has initiated a significant nationwide campaign titled 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' (Students' Echo), aiming to address the escalating concerns surrounding India's education system. The campaign, which was officially launched by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with a rally in Kota, Rajasthan, on June 17, 2026, is set to culminate in a series of 28 press conferences across major Indian cities on June 25, 2026. The Hindustan Times article accurately reports that prominent Congress leaders, including Gaurav Gogoi and Priyank Kharge, are among the 28 figures spearheading these press conferences. Other notable leaders participating in the initiative include Satej Patil, Varsha Gaikwad, Pawan Khera, Rajeev Shukla, Supriya Shrinate, Kanhaiya Kumar, Imran Pratapgarhi, and Srinivas BV, each assigned to address the media in various regions across the country. The primary objective of the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' campaign is to demand a comprehensive overhaul of India's education framework and to call for the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Congress party accuses Minister Pradhan of embodying the Modi government's 'lack of vision and dogmatic approach' towards education. In a press release issued by AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal, the party alleged that the RSS-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, over the past twelve years, has pursued policies that have led to the 'privatisation, centralisation, and Sanghification' of education, failing to adequately prepare India's youth for future challenges. Central to the campaign's agenda are critical issues that have deeply impacted millions of students and their families. These include rampant examination paper leaks, which have repeatedly undermined the integrity of competitive tests and shattered the aspirations of many young individuals. The campaign also highlights widespread examination irregularities, cancelled tests, frequent re-examinations, and significant delays in recruitment processes, all contributing to an environment of uncertainty and distress among students. Furthermore, the rising costs of education, encompassing tuition fees, coaching expenses, and examination charges, have made quality education increasingly inaccessible for a large segment of the population, particularly middle-class families. Rahul Gandhi, during his Kota rally, emphasized that the current education system functions more as a 'rejection system' than a selection system, imposing immense financial strain and psychological stress on students. The Congress party asserts that the crisis extends beyond mere unemployment to one of 'employability,' with students often ill-equipped to meet modern challenges due to a flawed education system. The party has invited students, teachers, parents, and concerned citizens to join this national dialogue, stressing the need for an education system that caters to the aspirations of India's youth rather than being subjected to ideological control. This initiative is presented as a platform for students to collectively demand justice and an education system that values hard work, ensures transparency, protects merit, and restores public trust. The campaign's rollout across 28 cities, including major hubs like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Pune, underscores its national scope and the Congress party's attempt to mobilize public opinion on these critical issues ahead of future elections. The wide geographical spread aims to amplify the 'students' echo' and ensure that the demands for educational reform and accountability reach the government directly. This news story from Hindustan Times is corroborated by multiple credible sources, including Social News XYZ, Lokmat Times, ANI News, The New Indian Express, and Newslaundry, all of which report on the Congress party's 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' campaign, its objectives, and the involvement of senior leaders. The consistent reporting across various media outlets confirms the accuracy of the claims made in the original article. The headline itself is factual and devoid of sensationalism or inaccuracy. The news is highly relevant for an Indian audience, as it directly impacts the future of millions of students and addresses significant national policy debates concerning education and employment.

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