‘Degree means nothing’: Rahul Gandhi highlights India’s jobs crisis at ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’
Uttar Pradesh: Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday raised concerns over jobs, education and opportunities for young people while addressing students and competitive exam aspirants at the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
Addressing the gathering at KP Ground, Gandhi said he wanted to speak about three issues — “dard” (pain), “data” and “daulat” (wealth). He described India’s youth as the country’s greatest strength and said their potential was unmatched.
Gandhi said around 40 crore young people constitute a major strength for India and argued that they need greater opportunities to realise their potential.
‘Degree means nothing’ without jobs
Gandhi criticised what he described as the weakening value of educational qualifications, saying that a degree certificate “means nothing in India today” when it does not lead to employment.
He also claimed that opportunities for employment had become increasingly difficult to access and referred to concerns over manufacturing, loans, recruitment examinations and paper leaks.
Gandhi also raised concerns about the use of young people's personal data and the growing dependence on social media content.
He said young people were being encouraged to make reels and online content while also being pushed towards gig-economy work. He described reels as a form of addiction and questioned whether such activities could provide the stable employment opportunities that young people seek.
Paper leaks and competitive exams
The Congress leader also referred to concerns among students and competitive exam aspirants over recruitment examinations and alleged paper leaks.
Students attending the Prayagraj event reportedly raised concerns about competitive examinations and problems related to hostels, with the event providing a platform for them to put forward their issues.
Event held despite waterlogging
A large gathering of students and aspirants attended the programme at KP Ground despite waterlogging and muddy patches at the venue.
Dance performances and other programmes were held before Gandhi's arrival. The Congress had also organised a motorcycle rally in Prayagraj on Friday ahead of the event.
Gandhi's message to youth
Gandhi told the gathering that young people were the “power and pride” of India and urged them not to resort to hatred or violence.
He said the country's systems needed to change and linked youth concerns to employment, education, economic opportunities and access to data.
The Prayagraj programme came amid the Congress's efforts to engage with students and young voters in Uttar Pradesh, where issues surrounding jobs and competitive examinations remain politically significant.