Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 18: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday launched a signature campaign focusing on issues in the country's education system, including paper leaks, examination irregularities and rising education costs.
Announcing the initiative on social media platform X, Gandhi shared a link to the campaign titled ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ and invited students across the country to submit their ideas and sign a petition highlighting their concerns.
He said the campaign aims to provide students with a platform to directly convey their demands to the government on issues such as affordable education, fair examinations and dignified employment opportunities.
“If you’ve suffered because of paper leaks, exam issues, or high fees, if this education system has shattered your dreams, if your family has invested a lifetime of savings in your education, then ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ is your voice,” Gandhi said in his post.
Urging students to participate, he added, “Join the movement: Click the link below. Fill in your name and share your ideas. Sign the petition — that’s it. More the signatures, louder the goonj.”
The campaign launch comes a day after Gandhi interacted with students during a convention in Kota, Rajasthan, a city widely known for its coaching institutes and competitive examination preparation centres.
During the interaction, Gandhi criticised the current education system, describing it as a “rejection system” rather than a selection system. He argued that it places excessive financial pressure on families while creating significant stress for students.
Addressing the gathering, he said the existing education structure was “extremely stressful and unfair” and highlighted concerns related to paper leaks, examination management and unemployment among educated youth.
Speaking at the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ Maha Rally in Kota, Gandhi stressed the need for reforms that would prevent students from facing distress and uncertainty regarding their academic and professional futures.
“This is not good for the country. I want all of us to work together to ensure that no student in this country ever feels what this girl felt,” he said while referring to issues raised by students during the interaction.
The signature campaign seeks to consolidate student feedback and demands, which Gandhi said would be presented before the government as part of a broader effort to push for reforms in the education sector.