The Madhya Pradesh Congress has taken a public stand against the state and central governments led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), launching the 'Yuva Swabhiman Cyclothon' to bring attention to issues affecting students and unemployed youth. The campaign aims to traverse every district, highlighting concerns over examination scams, recruitment delays, and rising joblessness.
Jitu Patwari, the state Congress president, stated the recurring examination irregularities have shattered the trust of thousands of job seekers. He described Madhya Pradesh as a "nursery of recruitment scams," citing notorious cases like the Vyapam scam, controversies in Patwari recruitment, and nursing exam irregularities. Patwari criticized the government for widespread paper leaks and alleged manipulation of unemployment data, emphasizing that nearly half a million government positions remain vacant despite promises of large-scale hiring.
In response to these challenges, the Congress has proposed several measures: implementing a legally binding annual recruitment calendar, introducing a one-time examination fee, establishing independent recruitment commissions, ensuring complete transparency in examinations, creating special courts to expedite paper-leak cases, and reviving student union elections. Additionally, they advocate for a Uniform Education Code to guarantee equal educational access.
Former ministers Jaivardhan Singh and Priyavrat Singh supported the campaign’s objectives. Jaivardhan Singh linked the rise in exam irregularities to the formation of the National Testing Agency (NTA), accusing the BJP government of enabling systemic corruption within the education sector. He warned that persistent scams have eroded the system’s credibility, with students and their families bearing the consequences.
Priyavrat Singh emphasized that the cyclothon will serve as the voice of students and unemployed youth in Madhya Pradesh, addressing key issues around education, recruitment, and employment. He also highlighted the campaign’s role in expanding Congress’s outreach among young voters across the state.