Congress alleges ‘systemic failure’ in education sector, calls for reform

The Congress on Feb 15 expressed concerns over rising student suicides and the abrupt closure of coaching institutes, alleging a "systemic failure" in India’s education sector and demanding government accountability.

“For days, reports have surfaced of coaching institutes shutting down after collecting fees, leaving students and parents stranded. This is a clear example of systemic failure, and the government must take responsibility. Today, students are caught between an unregulated market and a weak education system,” said Kanhaiya Kumar, Congress leader and in-charge of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), at a press conference in Delhi.

Kumar emphasized the financial and legal turmoil surrounding a major coaching institute chain preparing students for competitive exams. Notably, police have seized over ₹11 crore from 12 bank accounts linked to the institute, following complaints from affected parents.

Student suicides and government neglect

Comparing student suicides to farmer suicides, Kumar blamed the education system for creating immense pressure.

“The system has turned students into pressure cookers. Every day, dreams are being sold, but there is no discussion on the lack of seats, transparency in exams, or employment opportunities,” he said.

Kumar demanded that the government institutions must be strengthened to improve the quality of education and reduce dependency on private coaching centers. He also demanded regulating coaching institutes to ensure they fulfill their commitments to students and transparent recruitment to fill vacant posts and address rising unemployment.

“A robust regulatory framework is needed to hold private institutions accountable. Students and citizens must not be reduced to mere data points,” Kumar asserted.

Unemployment and forced migration

The Congress leader also linked India’s rising unemployment to an increase in illegal migration, citing instances where Indian youth were lured abroad with fake job offers and forced to fight in wars.

“During the Gaza war, young Indians were sent as contractual soldiers. Similarly, many were deceived into fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war. These desperate migrations are a direct consequence of worsening joblessness in our country,” he said.

The Congress’ sharp critique signals mounting pressure on the government to address gaps in the education sector and employment opportunities, as concerns over student welfare and youth migration grow.