What is the story about?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Independence Day announced free online coaching for various competitive examinations to alleviate the financial burden
borne by poor and middle-income groups, while addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort after hoisting the national flag on the 80th Independence Day. The announcement comes against the backdrop of Gen Z protests that occurred in the heart of New Delhi, demanding the Union Education Minister’s resignation and much-needed reforms. He also announced that 1 crore youth would be trained in AI over the next year through a nationwide mission mode, along with a countrywide Sports Talent Hunt campaign targeting children aged 5–15 years in villages and cities.
PM Modi Highlights Expansion of Higher Education Infrastructure, Says '650 Universities Added'
Shedding light on the development of the education sector, PM Modi said the country added 650 new universities in the last decade and more than doubled the number of medical seats since 2014.
"For 35 years, there was no education policy. We brought a new education policy," he said.
"From 2004 to 2014, there were fewer than 350 universities. And today, within 10-12 years, nearly 650 new universities have been added," the prime minister added.
"Before 2014, there were only 400 medical seats, and today nearly 850 medical seats are available," he remarked.
The prime minister also highlighted India’s rise as an attractive destination for foreign universities.
"... now foreign universities are also coming to India. Arrangements have also been made so that our youth can obtain foreign degrees within India," Modi said, according to PTI.
'Country is Scaling New Heights of Progress': PM Modi on I-Day
On the special occasion, PM Modi greeted people and said, “Powered by 140 crore Indians, the country is scaling new heights of progress across different sectors.”
He also paid homage to the innumerable freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and steady commitment ensured the end of the British Raj.
"Warm greetings on the occasion of Independence Day. We remember with gratitude the countless freedom fighters whose courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment ensured the end of colonial rule," the prime minister said in a post on X.
He said the dreams of the freedom fighters continue to inspire everyone as people work together to build a "Viksit Bharat".
