NEW DELHI: Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday took a dig at leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, saying he should have travelled to Ranchi, where students are protesting over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.In a post on X, Rijiju said, “Rahul Gandhi ji should have gone to Ranchi instead of Prayagraj.”The remarks came after Rahul, during his address at the event, attacked the government over what he described as a lack of jobs, expensive education, paper leaks, poor access to credit and the growing use of artificial intelligence, which he said were holding India’s youth back.”You are told to watch as many reels as you like, send as many WhatsApp messages as you wish, and browse or create content on Instagram. This is the addiction of the 21st century, and then you are told to work for Blinkit or Uber, or to do manual labour. You can indulge in this 21st-century addiction, but you cannot get a job; you cannot find employment in this country,” Rahul said.He also criticised the government’s economic policies, arguing that demonetisation and what he called “wrong GST” had damaged India’s manufacturing sector.”The first door is manufacturing. Today, in the world, you’ll see ‘Made in China’, ‘Made in Vietnam’, ‘Made in Bangladesh’, but you won’t see ‘Made in India’. The reason is that demonetisation and the wrong GST have destroyed our manufacturing system. Small businessmen who used to provide employment, and industries like leather, textile, and automobile that used to manufacture in India… all that has been finished. The first door is closed,” he added.Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, the state government held talks with several student groups amid protests over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations but failed to break the deadlock, with the protesting aspirants deciding to continue their agitation until their demands are met.A five-member government panel, comprising state ministers, first met a faction of protesters led by JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, whose hunger strike over the issue entered its seventh day. The panel then separately met delegations of the Congress-backed NSUI, Adivasi Chhatra Sangh (ACS) and Jharkhand Chhatra Morcha (JCM).Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesOn Friday night, the government had held similar talks with a delegation of the JPSC/JSSC Reforms Manch.The ruling JMM’s student wing, JCM, placed five demands before the panel, including cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination.The NSUI submitted six demands, including a CID probe into all JPSC and JSSC examinations under suspicion within 90 days and the establishment of a Jharkhand Testing Agency (JTA) on the lines of the National Testing Agency, its spokesperson Sanjiv Shah said.Another round of talks between the government and the students is scheduled for Sunday.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination Claims123PhotostoriesFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? 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NEW DELHI: Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday took a dig at leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi over ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, saying he should have travelled to Ranchi, where students are protesting over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.In a post on X, Rijiju said, “Rahul Gandhi ji should have gone to Ranchi instead of Prayagraj.”The remarks came after Rahul, during his address at the event, attacked the government over what he described as a lack of jobs, expensive education, paper leaks, poor access to credit and the growing use of artificial intelligence, which he said were holding India’s youth back.“You are told to watch as many reels as you like, send as many WhatsApp messages as you wish, and browse or create content on Instagram. This is the addiction of the 21st century, and then you are told to work for Blinkit or Uber, or to do manual labour. You can indulge in this 21st-century addiction, but you cannot get a job; you cannot find employment in this country,” Rahul said.He also criticised the government’s economic policies, arguing that demonetisation and what he called “wrong GST” had damaged India’s manufacturing sector.“The first door is manufacturing. Today, in the world, you’ll see ‘Made in China’, ‘Made in Vietnam’, ‘Made in Bangladesh’, but you won’t see ‘Made in India’. The reason is that demonetisation and the wrong GST have destroyed our manufacturing system. Small businessmen who used to provide employment, and industries like leather, textile, and automobile that used to manufacture in India… all that has been finished. The first door is closed,” he added.Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, the state government held talks with several student groups amid protests over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations but failed to break the deadlock, with the protesting aspirants deciding to continue their agitation until their demands are met.A five-member government panel, comprising state ministers, first met a faction of protesters led by JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, whose hunger strike over the issue entered its seventh day. The panel then separately met delegations of the Congress-backed NSUI, Adivasi Chhatra Sangh (ACS) and Jharkhand Chhatra Morcha (JCM).
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On Friday night, the government had held similar talks with a delegation of the JPSC/JSSC Reforms Manch.The ruling JMM’s student wing, JCM, placed five demands before the panel, including cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination.The NSUI submitted six demands, including a CID probe into all JPSC and JSSC examinations under suspicion within 90 days and the establishment of a Jharkhand Testing Agency (JTA) on the lines of the National Testing Agency, its spokesperson Sanjiv Shah said.Another round of talks between the government and the students is scheduled for Sunday.
![Rahul Gandhi addresses the gathering during the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ program, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday described India’s youth as the country’s biggest strength, but said a lack of jobs, expensive education, paper leaks, poor access to credit and the growing use of AI were holding them back.Speaking at the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme at KP Ground in Prayagraj, Rahul told the gathering, “You are power and pride of India; when I say this, I talk about every Indian citizen.” He said he wanted to speak about “dard (pain), data, and daulat (wealth)”, framing his address around the problems facing young Indians and the economic resources he believes should belong to them.Rahul said India’s nearly 40 crore young people were its “greatest strength”, adding that while there was much discussion about America, China and Russia, “India’s youth [are] unparalleled.” He argued that the country’s future would depend on the potential of its young population and the data they generate.He said artificial intelligence was also built on people’s data and argued that this data should be treated as an asset belonging to Indians. Rahul criticised the growing use of AI in discussions about employment, saying technological changes could further threaten jobs unless young people benefited from the economy being built around their data.Rahul also spoke about his connection to Prayagraj, describing the city as his family’s home and recalling its past as an important educational centre. He said Allahabad University had once been among the country’s best universities.Rahul said young Indians were being trapped in a “chakravyuh”, with education becoming increasingly expensive while degrees often failed to translate into jobs.“Today, education certificates have no meaning in India because they cannot give you job,” he said, arguing that students could spend years and large amounts of money on education without finding meaningful employment.Rahul said the problems extended across several routes into the workforce. “All doors of employment are closed in India,” he said, pointing to a decline in manufacturing, difficulties in securing loans, government-exam paper leaks and AI-driven job losses.“Decline in manufacturing, hard-to-come-by loans, paper leaks, AI replacing jobs – all this is hurting India’s youth,” Rahul said.He blamed demonetisation and GST for hurting small industries, alleged that banks were failing to provide adequate credit to small and medium businesses, and criticised the privatisation of public-sector companies. He also argued that AI could further reduce corporate employment while young Indians were increasingly pushed towards gig work.Rahul framed these problems as part of what he called the broader “system”, arguing that economic and political power had become concentrated among a small number of people. He linked this to his criticism of large corporations, the government and the RSS, alleging that they exercised disproportionate influence over India’s institutions.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRahul said recent student protests showed that young Indians were beginning to challenge the system. “Youths lit a light in darkness, and in doing so, changed the country,” he said.He urged young people to confront their fears without resorting to hatred or violence. “You cannot hate or be violent,” Rahul said, adding, “We will never resort to hatred or violence; will change the system with love and affection.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination Claims123PhotostoriesFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match7 extraordinary animals travellers can see in some of Earth’s harshest placesYour liver can repair itself, but not forever: Doctor explains when early liver damage can be reversed and what happens if scarring progresses123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case](https://vknewstoday.in/wp-content/uploads/1786203055_photo.jpg "Rahul Gandhi addresses the gathering during the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ program, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday described India’s youth as the country’s biggest strength, but said a lack of jobs, expensive education, paper leaks, poor access to credit and the growing use of AI were holding them back.Speaking at the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme at KP Ground in Prayagraj, Rahul told the gathering, “You are power and pride of India; when I say this, I talk about every Indian citizen.” He said he wanted to speak about “dard (pain), data, and daulat (wealth)”, framing his address around the problems facing young Indians and the economic resources he believes should belong to them.Rahul said India’s nearly 40 crore young people were its “greatest strength”, adding that while there was much discussion about America, China and Russia, “India’s youth [are] unparalleled.” He argued that the country’s future would depend on the potential of its young population and the data they generate.He said artificial intelligence was also built on people’s data and argued that this data should be treated as an asset belonging to Indians. Rahul criticised the growing use of AI in discussions about employment, saying technological changes could further threaten jobs unless young people benefited from the economy being built around their data.Rahul also spoke about his connection to Prayagraj, describing the city as his family’s home and recalling its past as an important educational centre. He said Allahabad University had once been among the country’s best universities.Rahul said young Indians were being trapped in a “chakravyuh”, with education becoming increasingly expensive while degrees often failed to translate into jobs.“Today, education certificates have no meaning in India because they cannot give you job,” he said, arguing that students could spend years and large amounts of money on education without finding meaningful employment.Rahul said the problems extended across several routes into the workforce. “All doors of employment are closed in India,” he said, pointing to a decline in manufacturing, difficulties in securing loans, government-exam paper leaks and AI-driven job losses.“Decline in manufacturing, hard-to-come-by loans, paper leaks, AI replacing jobs – all this is hurting India’s youth,” Rahul said.He blamed demonetisation and GST for hurting small industries, alleged that banks were failing to provide adequate credit to small and medium businesses, and criticised the privatisation of public-sector companies. He also argued that AI could further reduce corporate employment while young Indians were increasingly pushed towards gig work.Rahul framed these problems as part of what he called the broader “system”, arguing that economic and political power had become concentrated among a small number of people. He linked this to his criticism of large corporations, the government and the RSS, alleging that they exercised disproportionate influence over India’s institutions.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesRahul said recent student protests showed that young Indians were beginning to challenge the system. “Youths lit a light in darkness, and in doing so, changed the country,” he said.He urged young people to confront their fears without resorting to hatred or violence. “You cannot hate or be violent,” Rahul said, adding, “We will never resort to hatred or violence; will change the system with love and affection.”Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit‘I Am Proud Of All Of You’: PM Modi’s Big Msg To Students At First Public Speech After CJP ProtestsKashmir Tourist Security To Get Major Upgrade With CCTV, Command Centres And Security AuditsUS Senate Passes Russia Sanctions Bill, India Faces Potential 100% Tariff Over Russian Oil Purchases’Did We Fail To Listen’: Tharoor Admits CJP Protest Resonated More Than Congress ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’JPSC Protest Enters Day 14: Students Demand Exam Cancellation, CBI Probe After First Talks With GovtSonam Wangchuk Says Wife Sought Rahul Gandhi’s Help To End His 26-Day Hunger Strike At Jantar MantarOMCs Say E20 Petrol Meets Quality Standards After Nationwide Testing, Reject Contamination Claims123PhotostoriesFrom pig trotters to sprouting mushrooms: 5 bizarre luxury shoes breaking the internetOptical illusion personality test: What you spot first says everything about your hidden desiresRed or white patch in your mouth that won’t go away? Doctor explains the warning signs you should not ignore10 best monsoon snacks to enjoy on rainy daysFrom tiny forest jewels to giant river hunters: 12 kingfishers species to spot in IndiaDelhi must stay ahead of dengue this monsoon: Why rain, stagnant water and delayed diagnosis can turn a seasonal threat serious5 things stylish women always remove from their closetsDia Mirza’s mother’s maroon Banarasi saree is a generational love letter that fast fashion could never match7 extraordinary animals travellers can see in some of Earth’s harshest placesYour liver can repair itself, but not forever: Doctor explains when early liver damage can be reversed and what happens if scarring progresses123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingJapanese Quote of the dayNagpur Rape CaseAbhijeet DipkeGujarat Mystery WellJPSC ProtestDelhi RainDelhi Wife MurderEknath ShindeTamil Nadu BudgetPraveen Nettaru Murder Case")