Indian students' education protests pressure Modi government

India’s university and college students have intensified a nationwide protest against recent education policies, turning a sectoral dispute into a political challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The demonstrations, which began in late March over proposed fee increases and the implementation of the National Education Policy, have spread to more than 150 institutions across major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru. Organisers demand a rollback of tuition hikes, greater transparency in admissions, and assurances that the policy’s provisions on language and curriculum will not marginalise regional identities.

The Ministry of Education has responded by reiterating its commitment to the policy’s objectives, citing reforms aimed at improving quality and access. However, police actions to disperse gatherings have resulted in dozens of arrests and reports of injuries, prompting criticism from civil‑society groups and opposition parties. The unrest has disrupted examinations and academic calendars, drawing attention from national media and amplifying public scrutiny of the government’s handling of higher‑education reforms.

Analysts note that the student movement, by sustaining large‑scale participation and attracting widespread sympathy, has escalated into a broader crisis for the Modi administration, which is preparing for upcoming state elections. The government’s next steps—whether to negotiate concessions, enforce the policy unchanged, or introduce new measures—will likely influence both the stability of the education sector and the political capital of the ruling party.