Video: What brought thousands of students to Jantar Mantar? Part 2

Thousands of students gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on April 3, 2024, demanding systemic reforms in India's education sector. The demonstration, which drew tens of thousands, was part of a nationwide wave of protests sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with the quality of education, rising tuition costs, and allegations of corruption within academic institutions. Protesters argued that the current system fails to equip students with the skills needed for the modern workforce and that government policies have exacerbated inequality in access to higher education. The protests began in late March after a series of incidents involving university exams and administrative misconduct. In February, several universities faced backlash over alleged cheating during entrance examinations, leading to calls for greater transparency and accountability. By early April, these concerns had escalated into broader demands for educational reform, with students accusing the central and state governments of neglecting the sector despite its critical role in economic development. The demonstrations at Jantar Mantar were led primarily by student unions affiliated with major universities across the country. Organisers included representatives from the Jawaharlal Nehru Students’ Union, the All India Students Association, and the Fraternity Movement. These groups coordinated their efforts through social media platforms and local meetings, using digital tools to mobilise participants and share information about upcoming rallies. Many protesters wore t-shirts bearing slogans such as “Education is a Right, Not a Privilege” and “No More Corruption in Exams.” The discussions among activists and academics highlighted deep-rooted issues within India’s education system. Political scientist Zoya Hasan noted that the country’s public education infrastructure has deteriorated over decades due to underinvestment and bureaucratic inefficiencies. She pointed to declining literacy rates, especially in rural areas, and the growing gap between urban and rural educational outcomes. Saroj Giri added that the rise of private educational institutions has further widened disparities, as many families can no longer afford quality education without taking on debt. Yamini Aiyar emphasized that the protests reflect a generational shift in attitudes toward governance and civic engagement. Young people, she explained, are increasingly using satire and sarcasm as forms of resistance, challenging traditional power structures through creative expression. This approach, she argued, allows students to bypass censorship and reach wider audiences, particularly on social media platforms where misinformation and propaganda often dominate discourse. Protesters also called for immediate action, including the resignation of the education minister, increased funding for public schools, and stricter regulations on private colleges. They demanded that the government address the issue of jobless growth, which has left many graduates unprepared for employment. According to organisers, the movement is not just about one incident but represents a long-standing frustration with systemic failures that have affected millions of students over the past decade. As the protests continue, authorities have responded with mixed measures. Some states have announced plans to increase financial aid for students, while others have imposed restrictions on gatherings. The central government has yet to release a formal statement addressing the specific grievances raised by the demonstrators. However, the sustained presence of students at Jantar Mantar suggests that the movement will remain active until tangible changes are made to the education system.