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Here’s why you need to fill Air Suvidha 2.0 health form before boarding It is a familiar scene in millions of Indian households.A mild fever, a sore throat or a headache rarely prompts an immediate visit to the doctor. Instead, many people reach into a medicine drawer, ask a neighbourhood pharmacist for a familiar tablet, take a leftover antibiotic from a previous illness or rely on a friend’s recommendation. Watch Why India Is Tightening Rules On Common Cough SyrupsFor many, self-medication has become the first line of treatment rather than the last resort.The practice is so common that it has almost become part of India’s healthcare culture.But as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rises and drug misuse becomes an increasingly serious public health challenge, experts are asking whether India can break its dependence on self-medication without making healthcare less accessible.The question has gained fresh urgency after the Centre tightened rules governing the sale of cough syrups. Earlier this month, the government removed cough syrups from the list of medicines that could be sold by certain restricted retail licence holders in smaller villages, meaning they can now be dispensed only through licensed pharmaciesWhile the new rules primarily affect rural areas, they also signal a broader push towards safer medicine use and stricter regulation of drugs that are often self-medicated. The issue is not straightforward. Responsible self-care using approved over-the-counter (OTC) medicines has long been encouraged worldwide for minor ailments. The problem begins when prescription medicines, especially antibiotics, steroids and powerful painkillers, are consumed without medical supervision, often in incorrect doses or for illnesses they cannot treat.A habit that cuts across age and incomeSelf-medication is neither a rural nor an urban phenomenon. It cuts across income groups, education levels and age categories, making it one of India’s most widespread health behaviours.The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines self-medication as the selection and use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognised illnesses or symptoms without consulting a healthcare professional.This can include the responsible use of approved over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, but also extends to the unsupervised use of prescription drugs, reuse of old prescriptions and consumption of leftover medicines.The latest evidence suggests the practice is even more widespread than previously estimated.A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Medical Journal Armed Forces India, which analysed 66 studies involving 29,873 participants, found that the pooled prevalence of self-medication in India stood at 64.4%. In simple terms, nearly two out of every three Indians reported practising self-medication. Researchers also found notable regional differences. Northern India recorded the highest prevalence at 81.9%, although self-medication remained common across all parts of the country.Among different population groups, the highest prevalence was observed among students from non-healthcare backgrounds (86.1%), followed by healthcare students (79%) and the general population (59.7%), suggesting that education alone does not necessarily discourage self-medication.The Covid-19 pandemic further normalised the practice. During the pandemic, people became accustomed to searching symptoms online, stocking medicines at home and relying on previous prescriptions. While this improved awareness of health in some cases, it also increased unsupervised medicine use.Why do Indians self-medicate?The reasons extend well beyond convenience.Healthcare access remains uneven across much of the country. In many districts, particularly rural areas, specialist doctors are scarce and waiting times can be long. For low-income families, consultation fees, travel costs and loss of daily wages make visiting a doctor expensive even before medicines are purchased.Community pharmacies often become the first point of contact because they are nearby, inexpensive and immediately accessible.The 2025 Medical Journal Armed Forces India review found remarkably consistent reasons across dozens of studies. Most respondents considered their illness too minor to warrant a doctor’s visit.Others cited time constraints, financial limitations and previous experience with similar symptoms.Many respondents also said they had successfully used the same medicine for similar symptoms in the past, making them feel a doctor’s consultation was unnecessary.Pharmacists, old prescriptions, and advice from friends or family emerged as the most common sources of information, while fever, headache, coughs and colds were the ailments most frequently treated through self-medication. For minor illnesses, many patients believe they already know what treatment works.Unfortunately, symptoms that appear similar can have entirely different causes.A sore throat may be viral or bacterial. A fever may indicate anything from influenza to dengue. A headache could simply be stress—or something much more serious.Without proper diagnosis, medicines may relieve symptoms temporarily while delaying treatment of the underlying illness.Researchers warn that self-diagnosis can also result in incorrect drug selection, inappropriate dosages or unnecessarily prolonged treatment. Even when individuals correctly identify an illness, they may not know which medicine is most appropriate or whether it could interact with other drugs they are already taking.This often reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of how medicines work, said Dr Prachi Mehtani, a recent MBBS graduate from AIIMS Rishikesh. “One of the biggest myths is that ‘If a medicine worked once, it will work again for the same symptom,’ or that medicines are harmless simply because they are easily available without a prescription.”She said doctors frequently see patients who have already taken multiple medicines before seeking medical care. “In medicine, we treat the underlying cause of the disease—not just the symptom—and that is where self-medication often goes wrong,” she said, adding that delayed medical consultation can allow illnesses to progress while also making diagnosis more difficult.Also, different brand names containing the same active ingredient further increase the risk of accidental overdosing.When self-care becomes self-medicationHealth experts make an important distinction.Health experts draw an important distinction between responsible self-care and unsafe self-medication. While using approved OTC medicines according to labelled instructions for minor ailments can reduce pressure on hospitals and clinics, the problem arises when prescription medicines are used without prescriptions.According to the 2025 review, analgesics, antipyretics, antibiotics and cough-and-cold medicines were the four most commonly self-medicated drug categories in India. Antibiotics are the biggest concern.Unlike painkillers or antacids, antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. They have no effect on viral illnesses such as the common cold, influenza or most sore throats.Yet antibiotics are frequently taken for exactly these conditions.Even more concerning is the tendency to stop treatment once symptoms improve rather than completing the prescribed course, where medically indicated, or to reuse leftover antibiotics from previous illnesses.Another common practice is sharing medicines between family members.As Dr Mehtani puts it, “Medicine is always prescribed for the patient in front of us—not for the symptom alone.”A medicine prescribed for one person may be inappropriate or even unsafe for someone else because of differences in age, allergies, underlying illnesses or other medications being taken.These practices allow bacteria to survive, adapt and eventually become resistant.Certain groups deserve particular attention. A 2024 systematic review published in Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety found that 19.3% of pregnant women in India reported practising self-medication. Researchers found that convenience, perceptions of minor illness and advice from family members or pharmacists were major drivers. Children present another area of concern. A 2025 systematic review published in BMC Paediatrics estimated that nearly one in five Indian children (19.8%) had received antibiotics through self-medication. Local pharmacies, leftover medicines and family members were the primary sources of antibiotics, while the average duration of antibiotic use was only 2.5 days, far shorter than recommended treatment courses and a practice that could contribute to antimicrobial resistance.India’s growing antimicrobial resistance challengeIndia is already among the countries carrying one of the world’s largest burdens of antimicrobial resistance.The WHO has repeatedly identified AMR as one of the biggest global public health threats, warning that misuse and overuse of antibiotics are major drivers of resistance.The issue has also received attention at the highest political level. In his December 2025 Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, saying they were “not medicines that should be taken mindlessly.”Referring to findings from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), he cautioned that growing antibiotic resistance was making common infections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections increasingly difficult to treat, and urged people to avoid self-medication and use antibiotics only on medical advice.ICMR’s Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance and Research Network documented rising resistance among several common disease-causing bacteria, making routine infections increasingly difficult to treat.The consequences extend far beyond individual patients.When antibiotics lose effectiveness, common infections become harder to treat and the risk of mortality increases. As a result, healthcare spending also rises because resistant infections often require more expensive medicines, additional laboratory tests and prolonged hospital care.In other words, today’s misuse reduces tomorrow’s treatment options. Dr Mehtani said the consequences are no longer theoretical. She recalled treating young patients who routinely took antibiotics on their own whenever they developed a fever or a sore throat, often based on internet searches or previous prescriptions.”Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest public health challenges we face today,” she said.In one case, she said, a patient later developed a severe infection requiring intensive care, but the bacteria were resistant to almost all commonly used antibiotics, leaving doctors with very limited treatment options.”They are lifesaving medicines but only when used judiciously,” she added.Regulation exists—but enforcement remains difficultIndia already has legal restrictions on antibiotic sales.Many antibiotics fall under Schedule H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, meaning they should only be sold against a valid prescription, with pharmacies maintaining detailed sales records.The policy was specifically introduced to curb indiscriminate antibiotic use and slow antimicrobial resistance.However, implementation remains inconsistent.The National Academy of Medical Sciences has observed that OTC antibiotic sales remain common despite existing regulations, with both commonly used and higher-end antibiotics often dispensed for viral illnesses such as coughs, colds and sore throats.Several recent local studies continue to report widespread non-prescription antibiotic purchases, suggesting that enforcement gaps persist.This reflects a broader structural challenge.Many pharmacists operate as primary healthcare providers in communities where formal medical access remains limited. They are also often caught between legal obligations and patient demand, especially in areas where they are the first and sometimes the only available healthcare professional.Hence, simply tightening regulations without improving healthcare accessibility could unintentionally reduce access to essential treatment.Dr Mehtani said the Centre’s recent decision to tighten cough syrup sales was a positive step but should be seen as part of a broader strategy rather than a standalone solution.”Stricter regulations are a welcome step, but they are only part of the solution. We also need better public awareness, responsible dispensing by pharmacies, and easier access to qualified healthcare. Unless people understand the risks of self-medication, regulations alone will have limited impact,” she said.Digital age has changed the problemThe internet has transformed self-medication.Search engines, health influencers, short videos and AI-powered symptom checkers have made medical information more accessible than ever.Unfortunately, not all online advice is accurate.People often diagnose themselves after reading about symptoms online, while social media platforms continue to circulate unverified claims about miracle cures, antibiotics and supplements.Generative AI tools can provide useful health information but cannot replace physical examination, medical history or diagnostic testing required for many illnesses.This has contributed to a growing culture of “doctor Google”, where internet searches increasingly substitute professional consultation.Experts argue that improving health literacy—not merely restricting information—is essential.People need to understand not only what medicine treats a disease, but when medicine is unnecessary.Self-medication isn’t always harmfulNot every instance of self-medication is unsafe.Taking paracetamol for a mild fever, oral rehydration solution for diarrhoea or antacids for occasional acidity is widely accepted when used according to instructions.Many developed healthcare systems actively encourage responsible self-care for minor illnesses to reduce unnecessary medical consultations.The authors of the Medical Journal Armed Forces India review also caution against portraying all self-medication as inherently unsafe. They note that responsible use of approved OTC medicines can reduce pressure on healthcare systems, lower treatment costs and improve access to care, particularly in regions with limited medical infrastructure.The challenge lies in encouraging informed self-care while discouraging the unsupervised use of prescription medicines. The distinction lies in the type of medicine.OTC medicines intended for self-use are very different from antibiotics, steroids, sedatives or prescription painkillers that require professional supervision.Experts, therefore, increasingly argue that the objective should not be eliminating self-medication altogether but promoting responsible self-medication.What needs to change?Breaking India’s habit of unsafe self-medication will require more than stricter policing of pharmacies.The underlying incentives must also change.Experts say changing behaviour will require making responsible healthcare choices easier than unsafe ones. Dr Mehtani said responsible self-care should focus on rest, hydration, proper nutrition and the appropriate use of approved OTC medicines for short-term relief of minor ailments.However, she stressed that antibiotics and other prescription medicines should never be taken without medical advice.”A simple rule to remember is: treat minor symptoms at home, but never ignore persistent or worsening symptoms—they deserve a proper medical evaluation,” she said.Improve primary healthcare access: If consultations remain expensive or inaccessible, people will continue bypassing doctors.Strengthen enforcement: Existing prescription regulations need more consistent implementation, particularly for antibiotics.Improve pharmacy stewardship: Pharmacists can play a greater role in educating patients rather than simply dispensing medicines.Increase public awareness: Campaigns should explain why antibiotics do not treat viral infections and why misuse affects society as a whole.Expand digital health literacy: As more Indians seek medical information online, they need reliable, evidence-based sources.Promote antimicrobial stewardship: Hospitals, clinics and healthcare providers should continue encouraging rational prescribing practices while avoiding unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions themselves.Can India change?Changing a deeply embedded healthcare behaviour will not happen overnight.Self-medication has evolved because it often appears to solve immediate problems: it saves money, reduces waiting time and provides quick relief.But the long-term costs are becoming increasingly visible.As antibiotic resistance grows and common infections become harder to treat, what appears to be a personal decision increasingly becomes a public health issue.India’s challenge, therefore, is not to discourage responsible self-care but to redefine it.The goal is a healthcare system where people can confidently manage minor ailments with safe OTC medicines, while recognising when professional medical advice is essential—and where prescription medicines remain exactly that: medicines prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals.India’s dependence on unsafe self-medication did not develop overnight, and it will not disappear overnight either.Whether it can break its dependence on unsafe self-medication will ultimately depend not only on stronger regulation but also on building a healthcare system that is affordable, accessible and trusted enough that people no longer feel compelled to diagnose and treat themselves first.Only then can self-care remain a convenience without becoming a public health risk.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosFormer CM Gehlot Targets BJP Over Kanhaiya Lal Case, Says Justice Still Eludes FamilySonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Gaza, Says India’s ‘Silence And Inaction’ Cannot Be ExplainedCoaching Firing Case: Court Stays Khan Sir’s Arrest Till June 30, Hearing Ahead In Firing CaseGiorgia Meloni Reveals ‘Million Votes In New Delhi’ Joke In New Book, Recalls 2023 India WelcomeTrump Likely To Visit India In 2027 As Rubio Hails Modi-Trump Ties, Trade Deal Nears Finish LineIndia Successfully Tests Hydrogen-Powered Train Between Delhi And Jind Ahead Of Commercial LaunchTrump Warns Of 100% Tariffs On Countries Taxing US Tech Firms; Why India Is Unlikely To Be AffectedMission Impossible: Delhi Footpaths Exist Everywhere Except Under Your Feet | WatchWest Bengal Government Plans UCC, Anti-‘Love Jihad’ Law; TMC Calls Move DivisiveUS Court Declines Immediate Dismissal Of Gautam Adani Case, Seeks DOJ Explanation Before Ruling123PhotostoriesFrom the ‘Mahakumbh of Tantrics’ to the sacred red water: 5 fascinating facts about Ambubachi Mela, India’s unique Menstruation FestivalIs your desk snack stash secretly affecting your blood sugar? 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Their focus is solely on political maneuvers, centered on splitting parties and buying out MLAs and MPs,” Dipke said through a post on X.The Maharashtra State Council of Examination (MSCE) has postponed the Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (MAHA TET) 2026, which was scheduled for June 28, following a suspected question paper leak reported from Bhiwandi.The decision came after officials confirmed that some of the material seized during a police raid matched questions from the examination paper.In an official notice, the council said the examination was to be conducted at 1,028 centres across the state. It said that following irregularities reported during the NEET 2026 examination, several security measures had already been implemented to ensure the fair conduct of the TET.According to the council, acting on confidential information received early on June 27, Bhiwandi Police raided a location where several individuals were allegedly found in possession of information related to the question paper. During verification, MSCE officials confirmed that some of the recovered questions matched the June 2026 TET paper.A criminal case has been registered, and the council said the examination was postponed to ensure complete transparency and facilitate a thorough investigation.Reacting to the development, the Congress criticised the BJP-led Maharashtra government over the alleged paper leak.”Another paper leak. The TET paper has been leaked in Maharashtra. The exam was scheduled for tomorrow, which has now been canceled. Under the BJP government, there is no paper that doesn’t get leaked. This government has become the ‘Paper Leak Government,” Congress said through a post on X.Meanwhile, Abhijeet Dipke on Friday announced a nationwide campaign demanding the resignation of union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan and urged students, farmers and civil society groups to join the “Pradhan Go Back” protest at Jantar Mantar on June 28.Addressing a press conference, Dipke said activist Sonam Wangchuk would also join the campaign and begin an indefinite fast on 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 MediaVideosFormer CM Gehlot Targets BJP Over Kanhaiya Lal Case, Says Justice Still Eludes FamilySonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Gaza, Says India’s ‘Silence And Inaction’ Cannot Be ExplainedCoaching Firing Case: Court Stays Khan Sir’s Arrest Till June 30, Hearing Ahead In Firing CaseGiorgia Meloni Reveals ‘Million Votes In New Delhi’ Joke In New Book, Recalls 2023 India WelcomeTrump Likely To Visit India In 2027 As Rubio Hails Modi-Trump Ties, Trade Deal Nears Finish LineIndia Successfully Tests Hydrogen-Powered Train Between Delhi And Jind Ahead Of Commercial LaunchTrump Warns Of 100% Tariffs On Countries Taxing US Tech Firms; Why India Is Unlikely To Be AffectedMission Impossible: Delhi Footpaths Exist Everywhere Except Under Your Feet | WatchWest Bengal Government Plans UCC, Anti-‘Love Jihad’ Law; TMC Calls Move DivisiveUS Court Declines Immediate Dismissal Of Gautam Adani Case, Seeks DOJ Explanation Before Ruling123PhotostoriesFrom the ‘Mahakumbh of Tantrics’ to the sacred red water: 5 fascinating facts about Ambubachi Mela, India’s unique Menstruation FestivalIs your desk snack stash secretly affecting your blood sugar? 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An anonymous call and Biden cabinet secretary separated from his 4-year-old twins: ‘Mix of rage and sadness’ Uddhav Thackeray; Arvind Kejriwal Shiv Sena minister Gulabrao Patil said Operation Tiger 3.0 had begun and that 14 Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs would soon join deputy chief minister the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal accused BJP of “sparing neither the exams nor the temples” after a teachers entrance exam in BJP-led Maharashtra was postponed after a suspected paper leak.The United States has imposed sanctions on eight individuals and entities, including an Indian national and a Chhattisgarh-based explosives manufacturer for their alleged involvement in fuelling Sudan’s civil war.After Sanju Samson’s failure in the first T20I vs Ireland, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes he cannot afford too many failures with young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waiting in the wings.An Australian man has been arrested in Thailand after the body of a 17-year-old Thai girl was discovered stuffed inside a suitcase and dumped near a railway line in Pattaya.Here are top 5 stories of the day:14 of 20 Sena (UBT) MLAs will join Eknath Shinde, says Sena minister Two days after an MVA meeting addressed by Shiv Sena (UBT) president saw only 37 of the 60 opposition legislators turn up, Shiv Sena minister Gulabrao Patil said Operation Tiger 3.0 had begun and that 14 Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs would soon join deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde’s party. Read full story’Neither exams nor temples spared’: Kejriwal attacks BJP after Maharashtra entrance test postponed due to ‘paper leak’Following the postponement of a teachers’ examination due to suspected paper leak in BJP-led Maharashtra, AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday accused the saffron party of “sparing neither the exams nor the temples.” Read full storyIndian national, Chhattisgarh firm among 8 sanctioned by US over ‘role’ in Sudan civil warThe US department of the treasury’s office of foreign assets control (OFAC) identified the Indian national as Alok Choudhari, chief executive officer of Raipur-based SBL Energy Limited, and designated both him and the company under its latest sanctions package. Read full story’Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is breathing down his neck’: Manjrekar’s blunt warning to Sanju SamsonIndia, led by new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, suffered a 34-run defeat in the opening match of the two-game series in Belfast on Friday. The loss has intensified calls for 15-year-old Sooryavanshi to be handed his international debut in the second and final T20I at the same venue on Sunday. Read full storyThailand shaken after 17-year-old girl’s body found in suitcase; Australian arrestedThai police claim the teenager, Tunchanok Donhomla, was last seen entering a hotel with the accused, Simon Carman, in the early hours of Thursday before she disappeared. Her friends reported her missing on Friday after being unable to contact her. Read full storyGet 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 MediaVideosFormer CM Gehlot Targets BJP Over Kanhaiya Lal Case, Says Justice Still Eludes FamilySonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Gaza, Says India’s ‘Silence And Inaction’ Cannot Be ExplainedCoaching Firing Case: Court Stays Khan Sir’s Arrest Till June 30, Hearing Ahead In Firing CaseGiorgia Meloni Reveals ‘Million Votes In New Delhi’ Joke In New Book, Recalls 2023 India WelcomeTrump Likely To Visit India In 2027 As Rubio Hails Modi-Trump Ties, Trade Deal Nears Finish LineIndia Successfully Tests Hydrogen-Powered Train Between Delhi And Jind Ahead Of Commercial LaunchTrump Warns Of 100% Tariffs On Countries Taxing US Tech Firms; Why India Is Unlikely To Be AffectedMission Impossible: Delhi Footpaths Exist Everywhere Except Under Your Feet | WatchWest Bengal Government Plans UCC, Anti-‘Love Jihad’ Law; TMC Calls Move DivisiveUS Court Declines Immediate Dismissal Of Gautam Adani Case, Seeks DOJ Explanation Before Ruling123PhotostoriesFrom the ‘Mahakumbh of Tantrics’ to the sacred red water: 5 fascinating facts about Ambubachi Mela, India’s unique Menstruation FestivalIs your desk snack stash secretly affecting your blood sugar? 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Bhagyaraj’s three unfulfilled dreams Cristiano Ronaldo Car Collection: Cristiano Ronaldo has one of the finest elite car collections: From the Rolls-Royce Cullinan to the Bentley Continental GT, here are some cars from his garage Gemini, Weekly Horoscope, June 28 to July 04, 2026: Minor setbacks and stress expected ‘I am a farmer’: Union minister on Rs 99L subsidy row; Gehlot says ‘new model of corruption’ 1.29 million-subscriber YouTuber cracks UPSC after four attempts, secures AIR 760 ‘Committed to ensuring fair probe’: Ram Mandir Trust confirms Champat Rai’s resignation, says donations are safe President Sheikh Mohamed orders Dh10 million relief package for Venezuela quake victims Digvijaya Singh cautioned that Mohan Yadav could ultimately be held accountable even if wrongdoing was committed by officials. NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijaya Singh on Saturday warned incumbent Chief Minister Mohan Yadav that retaining 12 ministerial portfolios was a “big mistake”, saying the concentration of responsibilities could leave him vulnerable if irregularities occurred in any department under his charge.Addressing reporters, Singh cautioned that the chief minister could ultimately be held accountable even if wrongdoing was committed by officials.”Mohan Yadav ji, you have kept as many as 12 departments with yourself. You are making a big mistake… You will get into trouble. An official will commit an error, pocket the money, but you will be the one to get trapped,” he said.Yadav currently oversees the general administration, home, jail, industrial policy and investment promotion, public relations, Narmada Valley development, aviation, mineral resources, public service management and non-resident Indian (NRI) affairs departments, in addition to portfolios not assigned to any other minister.Singh also responded to questions regarding allegations of land purchases involving members of Yadav’s family, saying he was studying the alleged land scam to determine which companies were involved and who else could be implicated.The Congress veteran reminded Yadav of his background, saying, “Chief Minister Yadav is the son of a mill worker, but he would not be spared if he committed any wrongdoing.”Referring to his own tenure as chief minister, Singh said no allegations had surfaced against him during his ten years in office.He claimed that Yadav’s predecessor, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, had examined every file relating to his administration but found no evidence of wrongdoing.”Mohan Yadav ji, you too can investigate. It makes no difference to me. Because I did not hold any department [that could be implicated],” Singh said.In a political message directed at the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Singh also asserted that Congress leaders would not be swayed.”Do not think you can buy us. We are not for sale. We are steadfast and unyielding. Those who were for sale have already left for the BJP. All the Congress members sitting here are steadfast. We are ready to fight,” he added.This comes after media reports surfaced about the land purchase by Yadav’s family and their associated real-estate firms. At least 137 plots covering 168 acres of land in Ujjain were purchased for around Rs 45 crore in the two years since December 2023.The reports also claimed that most of the acquisitions were made in areas that later benefited from government-announced road infrastructure projects and changes in land-use regulations.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 MediaVideosFormer CM Gehlot Targets BJP Over Kanhaiya Lal Case, Says Justice Still Eludes FamilySonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Gaza, Says India’s ‘Silence And Inaction’ Cannot Be ExplainedCoaching Firing Case: Court Stays Khan Sir’s Arrest Till June 30, Hearing Ahead In Firing CaseGiorgia Meloni Reveals ‘Million Votes In New Delhi’ Joke In New Book, Recalls 2023 India WelcomeTrump Likely To Visit India In 2027 As Rubio Hails Modi-Trump Ties, Trade Deal Nears Finish LineIndia Successfully Tests Hydrogen-Powered Train Between Delhi And Jind Ahead Of Commercial LaunchTrump Warns Of 100% Tariffs On Countries Taxing US Tech Firms; Why India Is Unlikely To Be AffectedMission Impossible: Delhi Footpaths Exist Everywhere Except Under Your Feet | WatchWest Bengal Government Plans UCC, Anti-‘Love Jihad’ Law; TMC Calls Move DivisiveUS Court Declines Immediate Dismissal Of Gautam Adani Case, Seeks DOJ Explanation Before Ruling123PhotostoriesFrom the ‘Mahakumbh of Tantrics’ to the sacred red water: 5 fascinating facts about Ambubachi Mela, India’s unique Menstruation FestivalIs your desk snack stash secretly affecting your blood sugar? 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Bhagyaraj’s net worth: Inside the Rs 70 crore legacy of Tamil cinema’s ‘King of Screenplay’ | Rahul Gandhi writes to Congress functionaries NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday wrote to party functionaries, urging them to turn the student campaign launched by the party’s youth and student wings – Indian Youth Congress and NSUI – into a “countrywide movement.”The letter was addressed to Congress general secretaries, state in-charges, and heads of state, district, and city units.The grand old party has launched the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” campaign, led by Rahul Gandhi, to reach out to students in the wake of the recent NEET-UG paper leak and other exam-related issues.”The young people of India are facing an unprecedented crisis. Paper leaks, cancelled examinations, repeated re-examinations, delays in recruitment, vacant government posts, rising unemployment, and the growing cost of education have caused deep distress to them and their families,” the Lok Sabha leader of the opposition wrote in the letter.Rahul Gandhi letterRahul Gandhi further described India’s education system as placing “immense pressure” on the youth and said there was a need to expose the “oppression and extortion” students face.”We are all aware that it is a system that places immense pressure on young people and pushes their families into a spiral of debt, sustained stress and suffering, instead of supporting them as they choose career paths and build strong futures for themselves. We need to expose the truth of the oppression and extortion being faced by India’s youth and create momentum for a message to be carried across the country in a coordinated and effective manner,” the Raebareli MP said.”Let us all work together to free our youth from this oppressive system and lay the foundation for a new system that provides them with the opportunity and support they deserve,” he added.Rahul Gandhi addressed the first “Chhatron Ki Goonj” rally in Kota on June 17 and is scheduled to hold similar rallies in Prayagraj on July 10, Patna on July 11, and Delhi on July 14.All four cities are major coaching hubs, with Kota in Rajasthan and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh being particularly prominent due to the large concentration of coaching centres.The Congress’s protest rallies are part of its broader effort to engage students and Gen Z, seeking to mobilise support against the Modi government, particularly in the wake of the NEET paper leak and the CBSE onscreen marking issue.(With PTI inputs)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 MediaVideosFormer CM Gehlot Targets BJP Over Kanhaiya Lal Case, Says Justice Still Eludes FamilySonia Gandhi Slams Modi Govt Over Gaza, Says India’s ‘Silence And Inaction’ Cannot Be ExplainedCoaching Firing Case: Court Stays Khan Sir’s Arrest Till June 30, Hearing Ahead In Firing CaseGiorgia Meloni Reveals ‘Million Votes In New Delhi’ Joke In New Book, Recalls 2023 India WelcomeTrump Likely To Visit India In 2027 As Rubio Hails Modi-Trump Ties, Trade Deal Nears Finish LineIndia Successfully Tests Hydrogen-Powered Train Between Delhi And Jind Ahead Of Commercial LaunchTrump Warns Of 100% Tariffs On Countries Taxing US Tech Firms; Why India Is Unlikely To Be AffectedMission Impossible: Delhi Footpaths Exist Everywhere Except Under Your Feet | WatchWest Bengal Government Plans UCC, Anti-‘Love Jihad’ Law; TMC Calls Move DivisiveUS Court Declines Immediate Dismissal Of Gautam Adani Case, Seeks DOJ Explanation Before Ruling123PhotostoriesFrom the ‘Mahakumbh of Tantrics’ to the sacred red water: 5 fascinating facts about Ambubachi Mela, India’s unique Menstruation FestivalIs your desk snack stash secretly affecting your blood sugar? 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