Congress launches nationwide campaign on paper leaks, youth unemployment

In a move to reach out to the country’s youth, the Congress on Saturday (June 13, 2026) announced student conventions against paper leaks, decentralisation of NEET examinations, abolition of examination fees and fixing accountability for recurring examination irregularities.

The campaign, to be led by Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, will begin with a student convention in Kota on June 17, followed by programmes in Prayagraj (Allahabad) on July 10, Patna on July 11 and Delhi on July 14.

Announcing the first phase of the nationwide outreach, Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal said the initiative was aimed at highlighting issues such as paper leaks, examination irregularities, unemployment and the “Centre’s failure to safeguard the interests of students and job aspirants”. 

In a statement, Mr. Venugopal said the campaign would bring together students, aspirants, youth organisations and educators affected by examination scandals. He alleged that the futures of millions of young Indians were being jeopardised by paper leaks, rising examination costs and the government’s failure to ensure a fair and transparent recruitment and education system.

According to the statement, the campaign will foreground demands that Mr. Gandhi has raised earlier, including decentralisation of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), abolition of examination fees, stringent action against those involved in paper leak rackets and accountability at the highest levels of government. 

The party also reiterated its demand for the resignation of the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination-related controversies.

“The Congress Party will therefore seek a comprehensive discussion in Parliament on the crisis confronting India’s youth and advocate legislative measures to protect their interests, rights and future,” Mr. Venugopal said.

The Congress leader said it would mobilise students through the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the Indian Youth Congress and party units across the country.

The outreach would include campus visits, interactions at coaching centres, universities and schools, social media campaigns, live screenings and direct engagement with students.

The party said the movement sought to unite students beyond political affiliations and provide a platform for those affected by examination irregularities to share their experiences and demand accountability.

The Congress leader said Mr. Gandhi had consistently raised concerns over paper leaks, recruitment delays and unemployment, and had made the issues of merit, fairness and equal opportunity central to his engagement with students and youth.