Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the CBSE Open School and Madhyamik (OSM) row, accusing him of prioritizing discussions about mangoes over the plight of students. The Congress leader's remarks came amid growing discontent among students affected by the CBSE's decision to discontinue the OSM scheme for certain categories.
Gandhi's Accusations
Speaking to reporters, Gandhi said, "The Prime Minister has time to talk about mangoes but not about students. This shows the government's apathy towards the youth." He demanded that the government immediately reverse the decision and ensure that no student is deprived of education due to administrative lapses.
Background of the Row
The CBSE OSM scheme allowed students who had failed in Class 10 or 12 to reappear for exams through an open schooling system. However, the board recently decided to discontinue this provision for students from regular schools, leading to widespread protests. Many students and parents have expressed concerns about their academic future.
Gandhi further alleged that the Modi government is "anti-student" and accused it of neglecting the education sector. He said, "Instead of addressing real issues, the PM prefers to talk about irrelevant topics. The youth of this country deserve better."
Government's Response
The Ministry of Education has defended the CBSE's decision, stating that the OSM scheme was being misused by some students to bypass regular schooling. Officials have assured that alternative arrangements are being made to accommodate affected students.
However, Gandhi dismissed these claims, calling them "excuses." He urged the government to listen to the concerns of students and parents and take immediate corrective measures.
The Congress party has also announced plans to hold protests across the country to press for the restoration of the OSM scheme.
