New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi, a senior leader of Congress Party and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has called for increased government investment in education to ensure quality and accessibility for all. During an interaction with students of IIT Madras in the national capital, he highlighted the critical need to strengthen public educational institutions instead of relying on privatisation or financial incentives, reports The Hindustan Times.
“The government must guarantee quality education to its people, and this can only be achieved by bolstering public institutions,” Gandhi stated. He pointed out that premier institutions like IIT Madras are government-run, underscoring the success of such models.
“I strongly advocate for a substantial increase in government spending on education,” he added.
Criticising the existing education framework, Gandhi remarked, “The current system stifles creativity and imagination. It’s restrictive and overly structured, failing to nurture the diverse potential of our children.”
Drawing from his experiences during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, he shared how most students aspired to conventional careers such as doctors, engineers, or soldiers.
“It’s disheartening that our system limits aspirations to just a handful of options,” he said, advocating for a more dynamic approach to education.
He also emphasised the importance of reshaping the system to measure success through broader criteria.
“Our education should open up opportunities and allow students to explore their true interests,” he asserted.
Gandhi stressed the importance of increased investment in research and development, particularly in the production sector.
“Real innovation stems from robust R&D. For India to progress, we must channel more funds into this critical area,” he urged.
Rahul Gandhi contrasted Congress’ inclusive vision with the BJP’s economic approach.
“Congress prioritises fair distribution and inclusive growth, while the BJP leans towards aggressive growth with a ‘trickle-down’ strategy,” he noted.
Touching upon foreign policy, Gandhi emphasised the need for India to maintain a balanced approach in its relations with global powers like China and the US. He concluded by linking social harmony to national progress, stating, “A harmonious society leads to less conflict and greater collective advancement.”
The Congress leader’s remarks underline the party’s commitment to addressing systemic challenges in education and fostering a progressive and inclusive society.
