NEW DELHI, June 13: The Congress on Saturday announced the launch of a nationwide youth-focused campaign aimed at highlighting concerns related to examination irregularities, recruitment processes and employment opportunities, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi set to spearhead a series of student conventions beginning later this month.
The first phase of the initiative will commence in Kota, Rajasthan, on June 17, followed by major programmes in Allahabad on July 10, Patna on July 11 and Delhi on July 14. The party said the events are designed to bring together students, competitive examination aspirants, educators, youth groups and others affected by challenges in the education and recruitment systems.
Announcing the programme, Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal said the campaign seeks to create a national platform where young people can express their concerns and participate in discussions on issues affecting their academic and professional futures.
According to the party, the outreach effort will focus on concerns raised by students regarding examination management, recruitment delays, rising educational expenses and employment prospects. Congress leaders believe these matters have become major issues for young Indians and require greater public attention and policy intervention.
Venugopal said Rahul Gandhi has consistently highlighted the concerns of students and job aspirants and will directly engage with youth during the upcoming conventions. The meetings are expected to feature interactive sessions where participants can share experiences and discuss possible solutions to challenges faced in higher education and recruitment processes.
The Congress leader stated that the campaign would not be limited to political gatherings but would involve extensive grassroots engagement. Various wings of the party, including the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Indian Youth Congress, Pradesh Congress Committees and district-level units, have been tasked with conducting outreach activities across the country.
As part of the mobilisation drive, party workers will engage with students through campus interactions, meetings at coaching institutes, universities, schools and youth centres. Digital outreach programmes, social media campaigns, live event broadcasts and public discussions are also planned to increase participation among young people.
The party said the initiative aims to encourage wider conversations on education reforms, transparency in examinations and employment generation. Congress leaders maintain that India’s youth require greater institutional support and opportunities to fulfil their aspirations.
The campaign will also seek to amplify several demands previously raised by Rahul Gandhi regarding reforms in the education and examination system. Among the issues expected to be discussed are reducing the financial burden on students, strengthening accountability mechanisms and improving transparency in recruitment procedures.
Congress leaders indicated that the concerns raised during the outreach programme could be taken up at the national level, including within Parliament. The party said it intends to push for a broader discussion on challenges facing students and young job seekers, while advocating policy measures aimed at protecting their interests.
The announcement comes shortly after a meeting of Congress general secretaries, state in-charges and Pradesh Congress Committee presidents chaired by party president Mallikarjun Kharge. During the meeting, senior leaders reviewed organisational strategies and discussed plans for a sustained public campaign on issues affecting citizens across different sectors.
According to Venugopal, the youth outreach initiative forms part of a broader nationwide programme through which the Congress plans to engage with people on economic and social concerns. The campaign is expected to continue over the coming months and will include public interactions, awareness drives and issue-based programmes in multiple states.
Party leaders said the upcoming conventions would provide an opportunity to hear directly from students and aspirants while building momentum around educational and employment related concerns. They expressed confidence that the programme would generate meaningful dialogue and encourage policymakers to address issues impacting the country’s younger generation.
With preparations underway for the Kota event, Congress leaders are hoping the campaign will attract significant participation from students and youth groups, setting the stage for similar gatherings across the country in the weeks ahead.