Leaders and activists of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and Pradesh Youth Congress, affiliated with the Congress party, launched a protest in Tripura on Friday, voicing their opposition to what they describe as the “anti-student policies” of the BJP government.
The protesters gathered at Sikhsha Bhavan and demanded that the state government revoke the “Vidyajyoti Scheme.” They argued that this scheme, along with the National Education Policy 2020, is detrimental to the foundation of education in the state.
Youth Congress leader Shahjahan Islam expressed his concerns, stating, “Education is the birthright of every citizen, and BJP’s policies are undermining this fundamental right by privatizing the education sector.”
The protestors highlighted the challenges faced by students, particularly in the 100 schools brought under the Vidyajyoti Scheme. They cited issues such as a lack of basic infrastructure, shortage of teachers, and financial burdens on students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. These students are reportedly struggling to pay fees, with board examination candidates being charged between Rs 25,000 to 30,000 annually, in addition to yearly fees ranging from Rs 1,000 to 2,000.
The Congress youth activists accused the BJP of failing to fulfill its promise of “free education for all,” which was included in the Vision Document of 2018. Instead, they alleged that the BJP has turned education into a profit-driven enterprise.
In a scathing criticism of BJP ministers, NSUI leaders accused Ratan Lal Nath, former minister for the crucial education sector, of being the worst education minister Tripura has had. They also expressed dissatisfaction with the current Chief Minister, who holds the Education portfolio, and accused the BJP of making decisions that alienate education from the common people rather than promoting its development.
