Uttar Pradesh: Rahul Gandhi Raises Youth Unemployment and Paper Leak Issues in Prayagraj

The third chapter of Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Students’ Voice’ programme began in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where he interacted with young people and discussed issues affecting India’s youth. Gandhi described the country’s nearly 40 crore young people as one of India’s greatest strengths, but said they are increasingly trapped in a cycle of expensive education, shrinking employment opportunities and examination paper leaks. He expressed concern over rising unemployment and argued that the current system is failing young people seeking education and government jobs. During his interaction, Gandhi also raised political issues that he frequently discusses, including allegations concerning industrialists Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani and his claims regarding “vote theft.” Gandhi criticised the examination system, saying that after struggling through education and even working as labourers, young people face paper leaks when they finally get an opportunity to secure government employment. He argued that only a small fraction of aspirants are able to pass through this system. However, despite discussing paper leaks and youth-related concerns, Gandhi did not specifically mention the ongoing student movement in Jharkhand during the programme.