Congress Critiques Government's Education Reform Efforts Amid Protests
Congress Leader's Strong Criticism of Education Reforms
File image of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi in the Lok Sabha. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi, July 27: On Monday, Gaurav Gogoi, the president of the Assam Pradesh Congress Committee and deputy leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha, launched a fierce critique of the central government's proposed legislation aimed at combating paper leaks. He accused the BJP administration of lacking genuine commitment to overhauling India's education system, labeling the new bill as merely a "cosmetic measure".
His comments emerged during a heated political exchange in Parliament, coinciding with the BJP's celebration of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned amid widespread protests related to the NEET issue.
Pradhan received a warm welcome in the Parliament complex, adorned with a traditional cap and stole, as BJP members chanted slogans in his honor, while opposition members countered with chants of "Chor Chor, Paper Chor".
Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan being greeted during the Monsoon session of Parliament. (Photo:PTI)
Gogoi expressed skepticism regarding the proposed amendments to the anti-paper leak law, questioning the effectiveness of a fast-track investigation process in addressing systemic issues, especially given that past cases have faltered due to inadequate investigations.
"This government shows no real intent to reform the education system in India. The bill they have introduced is merely cosmetic. We have seen how a key figure in a previous scandal was acquitted due to insufficient evidence. What is the point of this fast-track amendment when the BJP seems determined to shield those involved in such scams?" Gogoi stated during a press briefing.
He also criticized Prime Minister Modi's announcement of a new high-powered committee for education reforms, pointing out that a similar committee led by former ISRO chairman K. Radhakrishnan was established two years ago but failed to yield any significant results.
"The Prime Minister is presenting this new committee as a groundbreaking reform. However, another committee with the same goal was formed two years ago under K. Radhakrishnan, and it produced no tangible outcomes. Yet, they continue to portray Dharmendra Pradhan as a successful education minister," Gogoi remarked.
He accused the central government of lacking the political will necessary for meaningful reforms in education.
"Clearly, the BJP government and Prime Minister Modi are not interested in reforming the Indian education system," he concluded.
Opposition leaders stage a protest during the Monsoon session of Parliament, on Monday. (Photo:PTI)
In light of the police's actions against student protesters on July 20, Gogoi further accused the government of trying to protect Union Home Minister Amit Shah, asserting that students in BJP-led states are facing FIRs and arrests, instilling a "fear of retaliation".
Reiterating the Opposition's demands, Gogoi insisted that the Home Minister should address Parliament regarding the police's actions against students.
"They are not interested in reforming the education system. Our demand remains unchanged - the Home Minister must clarify in the House how the police brutality on July 20 occurred," he stated.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders celebrated Pradhan in the Parliament complex following his resignation, prompting strong protests from Opposition MPs, who accused the ruling party of honoring a leader who resigned amid the NEET controversy.