Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday directed all Congress general secretaries, state unit chiefs, and district presidents to extend full support to the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) for the nationwide 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' campaign. He described India’s youth as facing an “unprecedented crisis” characterized by paper leaks, cancelled examinations, and mounting unemployment.
Gandhi’s letter highlights youth distress
In a letter issued on June 27 to all party office-bearers, Gandhi wrote: “The youth of India are facing an unprecedented crisis. Paper leaks, cancelled exams, repeated re-exams, delays in recruitment, vacant government posts, rising unemployment and the growing cost of education have caused deep distress to them and their families.” The letter underscores the Congress party’s attempt to sharpen its focus on issues affecting students and job aspirants ahead of crucial state elections.
Campaign launched from Kota
Referring to the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' rally held in Kota, Gandhi said the event marked the beginning of a wider national conversation on India’s education system. The campaign aims to mobilize students across the country to protest against the recurring problem of exam paper leaks and the resultant cancellation of exams, which have disrupted academic calendars and caused anxiety among millions of young Indians.
Context of rising unemployment and exam irregularities
The Congress leader’s call comes amid a series of high-profile paper leak incidents in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, where competitive exams for government jobs were compromised. According to data from the Ministry of Education, over 1,000 exam-related irregularities were reported in the last three years. The unemployment rate among youth aged 15-29 stood at 23.2% in 2025-26, as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey.
Political significance ahead of state elections
The campaign is strategically timed as several states, including Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, are scheduled to hold assembly elections in the coming months. The Congress hopes to leverage student discontent to gain political mileage, especially in regions where education and employment are key voter concerns. Party insiders indicate that district-level protests and awareness drives will be organized under the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' banner.
Opposition’s unified stance on education issues
Other opposition parties have also voiced support for the campaign. The Congress is coordinating with like-minded parties to build a united front on education reform. The party has accused the central government of failing to secure examination systems and create adequate job opportunities. Gandhi’s letter explicitly calls for “full support” from all party functionaries to ensure the campaign’s success.
