Education Minister Pradhan Slams Priyanka Gandhi for NEP Comments

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday lashed out at Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for stating that the National Education Policy and PM SHRI schools were aimed at "brainwashing" children, saying such statements amount to a "glaring display of ignorance and political opportunism".

The MP from Wayanad also said that the National Education Policy and Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India-PM SHRI have been so designed to propagate only one ideology.

She claims now: "A lot of factual inaccuracies have been inserted, historical data have been changed and ideologically, it is all leaning one way."

Reacting to her allegations, Pradhan said, "The remarks made by Priyanka Gandhi on NEP and PM-SHRI initiative are a glaring display of ignorance and political opportunism." "She disrespected the collective wisdom of educators, academicians and citizens in general who made those historic reforms by making such irresponsible and misleading statements," he said. "For over three decades, India waited for meaningful education reforms that could prepare its youth for the challenges of the 21st century. The NEP 2020, formulated under the guidance of K Kasturirangan, a scientist of global eminence, was the result of one of the most exhaustive and inclusive consultation processes ever undertaken," the Union minister said in an X post. Pradhan claimed the PM SHRI schools are the living embodiment of this vision. These model schools represent the future of Indian schooling: smart classrooms, Atal Tinkering and Innovation Labs, digital and experiential learning, libraries, eco-friendly campuses, vocational and skill hubs, and inclusive spaces for every child. They encourage arts, culture, sports, and environmental stewardship, building creativity, confidence, and character. PM SHRI Schools bring together modernity and moral strength, technology and tradition, innovation and inclusion. It is not critique of policy to oppose such visionary initiatives; it is to stand in opposition to the very idea of an India which does not need old political dynasties' approval to educate her children, Pradhan said. "Perhaps this discomfort originates from the fact that for years, education was reduced to political rhetoric and neglect; now that reforms were finally put into place, it's convenient for some, instead of recognising success, to feign outrage," he added.