The Modi government is planning a new youth outreach programme that will send a Union minister to a university every day to meet students, hear their concerns and understand their views on issues affecting the country.
The programme, called One Day One University, aims to create more direct interaction between Union ministers and Gen Z students.
Ministers To Meet Students
Under the plan, a Union minister will visit an assigned university and interact with students on different topics.
The ministers are also expected to explain government welfare schemes and programmes focused on students and young people.
Education Minister Pralhad Joshi and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya are reportedly coordinating with universities and ministers for the planned visits.
Programme Comes Amid Student Protests
The initiative comes after student protests over the NEET paper leak issue in Delhi and other parts of the country.
The crackdown on protesting students in Delhi on July 20 led to criticism from the Opposition and disrupted proceedings during the Monsoon session of Parliament.
Dharmendra Pradhan later resigned as education minister on July 25 amid the protests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also reached out to students through social media on several occasions.
Focus On Youth
The government plans to use the university visits to discuss issues important to young people and create greater awareness about government opportunities and welfare programmes.
The initiative also follows several youth-focused announcements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Independence Day address.
These included free online coaching, AI skill development, a sports talent search programme and expansion of the civil defence network.
The Prime Minister also highlighted opportunities for young Indians in areas such as manufacturing, space, nuclear energy and semiconductor technology.
1,300 Universities Across India
According to the University Grants Commission, India has around 1,300 universities, including 57 central universities and 522 state universities.
The remaining institutions include private and deemed-to-be universities.
The One Day One University programme is expected to use this large university network to increase direct engagement between the government and young people.
