The Indian National Congress has introduced a legal assistance helpline for students who may face police or administrative action in connection with protests over the NEET-UG examination paper leak and other education-related issues.
The announcement was made at a press conference attended by activist Gurmehar Kaur, National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) president Vinod Jakhar, and Indian Youth Congress leader Richa Singh. Party leaders said the initiative is intended to provide legal guidance to students who require assistance following protest-related cases.
Legal Support Helpline Announced
The Congress said students seeking legal assistance can contact its ‘Chhatron ki Goonj’ (CKG) Legal SOS Helpline at 98118-67474.
According to party representatives, the helpline aims to connect students with legal support if they face police action or administrative proceedings linked to demonstrations concerning examination-related grievances.
During the briefing, Gurmehar Kaur alleged that cases had been registered against some students in different states following recent protests. The Congress also criticized what it described as police action against demonstrators.
Authorities have not publicly responded to every allegation mentioned during the press conference.
Gurmehar Kaur Takes Centre Stage
The Congress prominently featured Gurmehar Kaur in its communication surrounding the announcement, highlighting a younger face within the party’s outreach efforts.
Kaur first entered the national spotlight as a student activist after a social media campaign advocating peace gained widespread attention several years ago. Since then, she has authored books, pursued higher education abroad, and has more recently worked with Congress youth initiatives, including outreach programmes in Punjab.
Political observers view her role in the announcement as part of the party’s broader effort to connect with younger voters, particularly students and first-time voters.
Youth Wing Leaders Express Support
Speaking at the event, NSUI president Vinod Jakhar said the Congress and its affiliated youth organisations would continue supporting students raising education-related concerns through democratic means.
Youth Congress leader Richa Singh also addressed the media, alleging that some students protesting in Bihar had faced police action and urging authorities to ensure that lawful demonstrations are handled fairly.
The statements reflect the party’s continued focus on examination reforms and student welfare following nationwide debates surrounding competitive examinations.
Political Context
The legal aid announcement comes amid ongoing political discussions over examination integrity and the handling of student protests.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has previously criticized the government’s response to the issue and has sought discussions on the matter in Parliament.
The Congress has also organised demonstrations on education-related concerns while several student groups and civil society organisations have independently held protests in different parts of the country.
Focus on Student Issues
Education and recruitment examinations have remained prominent political issues in recent years, with students demanding greater transparency, stronger safeguards against paper leaks, and quicker investigations into alleged irregularities.
Political parties across the spectrum have called for reforms aimed at strengthening public confidence in competitive examinations and ensuring accountability where misconduct is established.
The Congress says its latest initiative is intended to provide legal assistance while continuing to advocate for improvements in the examination system.
