Kharge Calls for Youth-Centric Roadmap, Accountability and Transparency at CWC Meeting

By Shashank Pasupuleti

New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called for a comprehensive and time-bound strategy for the country’s youth, while raising concerns over education, employment, public accountability and national security at the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting.

In his opening remarks, Kharge said the Congress must seriously deliberate on several pressing issues following the conclusion of the Parliament session and present clear policy alternatives and solutions before the people.

Youth, Education and Employment

Kharge identified the future of India’s youth as one of the Congress party’s foremost concerns. He said India is among the youngest countries in the world, but young people are increasingly facing difficulties in accessing quality education and meaningful employment.

He criticised the government over the alleged closure of thousands of schools, rising costs of higher education, paper leaks, irregularities in recruitment examinations and delays in appointments.

Recalling former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s emphasis on youth empowerment, Kharge highlighted measures associated with his tenure, including reducing the voting age from 21 to 18, expanding the Navodaya Vidyalaya network and linking education with employment and skill development.

He also credited the Congress-led governments with strengthening educational institutions, expanding access to education and advancing initiatives such as the Right to Education during the UPA period.

Kharge said Congress leaders must communicate these achievements more effectively and ensure that the party’s contribution to education, technology and the IT and communications revolution is placed before the younger generation.

He called for Congress to prepare a clear, comprehensive and time-bound “Education-to-Employment Roadmap” focused on improving educational opportunities, skills, jobs and the future prospects of young Indians.

Questions Over Ram Mandir Donations

Kharge also raised questions regarding donations received by the Ram Mandir trust, including money, gold, silver and other valuable contributions.

He said citizens who contributed to the temple construction have a right to know how the donations have been accounted for and utilised.

Kharge demanded transparency and accountability, arguing that any allegations of financial wrongdoing should be properly investigated and those responsible should be held accountable.

He said merely taking action against a few individuals would not resolve the larger questions surrounding the management of donations.

Concerns Over Border Security

Kharge also referred to reports concerning alleged Chinese encroachment along India’s borders and called for greater transparency from the government.

He stressed that national security should not become a political issue, while simultaneously arguing that national security cannot be used to prevent legitimate questions from being asked.

Recalling the 2020 Galwan Valley clash and subsequent concerns regarding the border situation, Kharge said citizens have a right to know the factual position along the country’s frontiers.

He expressed full confidence in the Indian Armed Forces and praised the courage and commitment of the soldiers, while maintaining that questions regarding government policy and the situation on the borders must be answered by the government.

“Can People Trust This Government?”

Kharge sought to bring the issues raised at the CWC meeting under a broader question of public trust.

He asked whether young Indians could trust the government with their future, whether citizens could trust it to maintain transparency regarding public money and donations, and whether the country could trust it to provide clear information on national security.

He said the Congress must not limit its deliberations to criticism but should place viable alternatives, policies and solutions before the people.

With elections in five states approaching, Kharge said preparations had already begun and emphasised the need for the Congress to present a clear political and policy alternative.

He concluded by reiterating that the Congress’s struggle is not merely for political power, but for safeguarding democracy, upholding the Constitution and building a better future for the people of India and future generations.