Congress Slams Govt for Refusing Parliament Debate on Education Policy

Congress Accuses Govt of Shirking Debate on Critical Education Issues

The Congress party has launched a sharp attack on the central government, accusing it of repeatedly refusing to hold a meaningful discussion in Parliament on burning issues related to the education policy and serious matters like the NEET UG 2024 question paper leak.

Priyanka Gandhi Questions Govt's Stance on Student Protests

Senior party leader and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra raised the issue on Monday, stating that the government is suppressing the voice of students and ignoring demands for a debate. Questioning the government's intentions, she said, "We (the opposition) are all demanding a discussion. There are many problems and major issues in the education policy, yet you are not ready to discuss it. Instead, you are using tear gas on students and beating them. These are our children." She described the government's attitude towards students as highly condemnable, calling it an attempt to crush their voices.

Shashi Tharoor Emphasizes Importance of Parliamentary Debate

Meanwhile, another senior Congress leader and MP, Shashi Tharoor, also criticized the government's stance and underscored the importance of debate in Parliament. Citing an old adage, he stated that the opposition should be given an opportunity to express its views, as governments often act arbitrarily. Tharoor emphasized that Parliament is the supreme forum where MPs can convey the voice of the people to the government and ensure accountability on important issues. He added that refusing a debate is against the principles of parliamentary democracy.

Congress Alleges Deliberate Evasion of Policy Failures

The Congress alleges that the government is deliberately avoiding issues that could expose the failures or weaknesses of its policies. The alleged irregularities and question paper leak in the NEET UG exam have caused deep concern among millions of students and their parents. Widespread questions are being raised about the flaws and lack of transparency in the conduct of this examination.

Uncertainty Looms Over Students' Future Amidst Lack of Debate

The opposition contends that the absence of a detailed discussion in Parliament on such a serious issue continues to create uncertainty about the future of students and suppresses demands for action against the guilty. According to the party, complaints are also emerging from several states and educational institutions regarding the implementation of the new education policy, but the government is shying away from discussions instead of listening to and addressing these criticisms.

Congress Believes Open Debate Essential for Nation's Future

The Congress believes that an open and transparent debate on a sensitive and nation-building subject like education is extremely crucial for the country's future. Referring to the use of force against students, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra clarified that the protesting students are merely raising their voices for their future and a fair process, and it is unacceptable for the government to order a lathi-charge on them instead of listening to them.

Parliamentary Showdown Expected Over Education and NEET Issues

This matter is expected to heat up in the upcoming parliamentary sessions, where the opposition will pressure the government to ensure accountability on public-interest issues. The Congress has demanded that an immediate discussion be held in Parliament on all these serious issues and that the government review its policies.