Spokespersons: Shri Rajendra Pal Gautam, Dr. Vikrant Bhuria, and Dr. Kanhaiya Kumar: Shri Rajender Pal referred to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi’s letter to the Prime Minister, which flagged the plight of underprivileged students who are being deprived of access to higher education.

He specificallystated that scholarships are often delayed or affected by technical glitches, causing significant hardship. The number of students receiving scholarships is steadily decreasing, and said that many are forced to take loans. In some tragic cases, students have even been driven to suicide, he added.

Dr Bhuria emphasised that for many poor students, hostels are their only means of continuing education. He also flagged issues such as the shortage of wardens, lack of security, and absence of proper audits in hostels.

Dr Kanhaiya Kumar criticised the government for reducing the education budget and for the continued diversion of funds earmarked for SC-ST students, resulting in their systematic exclusion from education.

Dr Kanhaiya also announced that under the Constitution Leadership Programme, a 100-day national audit of all hostels for Dalit, Adivasi, OBC, Extremely Backward Class, and minority students will be conducted. Wednesday, June 11, 2025