Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has taken the government to task from his Twitter handle @kharge for its spending priorities. Kharge’s remarks, which have stirred significant public and media attention, focus on the stark disparity between the funding allocated to the Central Vista project and that given to the National Education Policy (NEP).
His tweet pays tribute to the defender of social justice and equality, Thanthai Periyar, on his birth anniversary: ' Only education, self-respect and rational qualities will uplift the downtrodden.'
The government has earmarked a staggering ₹20,000 crore for the Central Vista project, a massive endeavour to revamp Delhi's government district. In sharp contrast, the NEP, which seeks to transform India’s education system, has been allotted a mere ₹100 crore. Kharge’s frustration is palpable in his social media statements, where he questions the government's vision for India's future. "Is this the vision for India's future?" he asks, underscoring what he views as a grave misalignment in prioritizing large-scale infrastructure projects over crucial educational reforms.
The Central Vista project has been controversial, with critics arguing that the funds would be better invested in addressing urgent social needs. Some see the project as a symbol of vanity rather than necessity, especially compared to the pressing issues in the education sector. The NEP, intended to overhaul the country’s education system, has struggled with inadequate funding, limiting its ability to achieve its ambitious goals.
Kharge’s criticism comes at a time of increasing concern about how the government allocates its resources. Many opposition leaders, including those from the Congress party, are voicing their dissatisfaction with the current spending priorities. They argue that significant investments should be directed towards social welfare initiatives such as education, healthcare, and employment, which directly impact the lives of millions of citizens.
While the government defends the Central Vista project as an essential infrastructure upgrade, the opposition remains sceptical. The debate reflects broader questions about national priorities and the direction in which the country is headed. As discussions continue, there is growing public interest in how future budgets will balance ambitious projects with the fundamental needs of the population.
As this debate unfolds, many are left pondering whether the current spending priorities truly reflect the nation's needs and whether the substantial investment in Central Vista might come at the expense of crucial areas like education.