Student unrest in Maharashtra will intensify without immediate government action, warns Rahul Gandhi

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha has warned that student unrest in Maharashtra will intensify unless the BJP government addresses grievances immediately, as thousands continue peaceful street protests over what he described as systemic failures.

Rahul Gandhi said the demonstrations stem not from a single exam or recruitment issue but from shattered trust in the entire system. "Whether it's the Central or State government, every student is tormented by the BJP government," the Congress leader said in a post in Hindi on X.

System failures cited

The politician listed a series of problems including paper leaks, stalled recruitments, the unbearable cost of education, inhumane conditions in hostels, food like poison, and fraud in Direct Benefit Transfer schemes. He accused authorities of seizing control of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission, a constitutional body, and destroying its credibility.

Gandhi stressed that every demand from students for their successful future is justified. "The government must listen to their voice and act immediately - otherwise, this 'Chhatron ki Goonj' will only grow louder until justice is served," he said.

Government response

The statement followed the Maharashtra government's decision to constitute a high-level committee for a comprehensive review of the state's recruitment examination system. The panel has been tasked with suggesting measures to make the process more transparent, secure, reliable and candidate-friendly.

The review will cover question paper preparation and scrutiny, confidentiality and secure handling of papers, examination centre management and security, use of technology, prevention of malpractices, coordination among agencies, grievance redressal and the overall candidate experience.

Tribal students and job aspirants in the state have been protesting over poor hostel conditions, student safety and exam paper leaks, prompting the government to accept key demands and establish the new exam reform panel.

Source: The Hindu