Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is preparing a nationwide programme under which a Union Minister will visit a university every day to interact directly with students and understand their concerns.
According to sources, the proposed initiative — ‘One Day, One University’ — is aimed at strengthening the government’s engagement with young people. During these visits, the Union ministers are asked to hold discussions with students, hear their views on issues affecting the country and explain government schemes meant for students and young people.
The government’s push for the initiative came after the NEET paper leak issue intensified in Delhi and across the country, turning it political with Opposition parties raising the matter in Parliament during the Monsoon Session.
Education Minister Pralhad Joshi and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya have been tasked with coordinating the programme with universities and other Union ministers. Notably, Mandaviya, under his ministry, is already running the Viksit Bharat Ambassador – Yuva Connect programme.
It has been learnt that the initiative was also discussed at the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
1,300 Universities In India
As per the data shared by the University Grants Commission, there are as many as 1,300 universities in the country, including 57 central universities and 522 state universities, while others are either deemed-to-be or private universities.
Students’ Protest Over NEET
The police crackdown on protesting students on July 20 led to a massive backlash, with the Opposition disrupting proceedings during the Monsoon session of Parliament.
Amidst the student protests, Dharmendra Pradhan had to resign as education minister on July 25.