Rahul Gandhi Urges PM Modi To Address Barriers Facing Marginalised Students

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing deep concern over systemic hurdles faced by students from marginalised communities in accessing quality education.

In his letter, shared on Wednesday, Gandhi highlighted two pressing issues impacting students from Dalit, Scheduled Tribes (ST), Extremely Backward Classes (EBC), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and minority backgrounds.

He stated that residential hostels for such students were in ‘deplorable’ condition, calling for immediate government action.

“I request you to resolve two critical issues which hinder education opportunities for the 90 per cent of students who are from marginalised communities. Firstly, the conditions in residential hostels for students from Dalit, ST, EBC, OBC and minority communities are deplorable,” Rahul Gandhi wrote.

He cited his visit to the Ambedkar Hostel in Darbhanga, Bihar, where students reportedly endure overcrowding, poor sanitation, and the absence of essential facilities.

“Students complained about single rooms, which 6-7 students were forced to share, unhygienic toilets, unsafe drinking water, lack of mess facilities, and no access to libraries or the Internet,” the letter read.

Post-matric scholarship failures

Gandhi further criticised the post-matric scholarship system, noting severe delays and failures, particularly in Bihar.

“Post-matric scholarships for students from marginalised communities, plagued by delays and failures. For example, in Bihar, the scholarship portal was non-functional for three years, and no student received a scholarship in 2021-22,” he wrote.

Even after reviving the portal, officials recorded a sharp fall in Dalit beneficiaries – from 1.36 lakh in 2022–23 to only 0.69 lakh in 2023–24.

“Students further complain that the scholarship amounts are insultingly low,” he asserted.

Although Rahul Gandhi cited examples from Bihar, he clarified that such issues persist across the country.

To address the problems, he urged the Prime Minister to initiate a full audit of hostels meant for marginalised students, ensuring they meet basic standards of infrastructure, sanitation, nutrition, and academic support.

He also recommended timely scholarship disbursals, an increase in scholarship amounts, and improved coordination with state governments for better implementation.

Concluding his letter, Rahul Gandhi remarked, “I am sure you agree that India cannot progress unless youth from marginalised communities progress. I look forward to your positive response.”

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