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PM Modi announces free online coaching for competitive exams in Independence Day speech
PM Modi said that coaching classes are a burden on the poor and middle class.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced free online coaching for competitive exams during his speech on Independence Day from Red Fort. Modi said that coaching classes are a burden on the poor and middle class and that young people need to stay closer to their families. Track live updates on Independence Day celebrations
“The competition surrounding coaching classes has become a huge burden for middle-class families. Every parent feels that if they do not send their child to a coaching centre, they are somehow falling behind or do not belong to a respectable family,” Modi said, adding that the government wants to help people save the thousands of crores of rupees they spend on coaching.
Deep Dive
Modi said the youth should be able to stay closer to their families and avoid placing an additional financial burden on them. “Therefore, we have decided to provide free online coaching for various competitive examinations for our youth,” he said, and added, “We have digital public infrastructure, and we have highly talented teachers and educators.”
The government's online coaching move comes weeks after youth-led protests against examination irregularities were held across various parts of the country, with the most prominent one being held at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.'
Modi urges youth to participate in Census
Modi also urged the youth of the nation to actively participate in the national Census. “I am asking all of you for your help,” he said.
He appealed to the young people to take the lead in this effort. "You may feel, What can I possibly do for the country in one or two hours? Let me tell you — those one or two hours can become a great source of strength for the nation."
PM Modi pushed for building an "atmosphere of participation" in every household as India conducts its Census 2027.
"These days, the country is conducting the Census. The counting is underway. And counting is not merely about numbers. The details help shape policies and schemes. They help the country prepare its roadmap for development. Therefore, it is very important that we have accurate information," he said.
‘Dimagi Naxals’
PM Modi also called for "identifying and isolating" the “dimagi Naxals” as he said that Maoist extremism is breathing its last in India.
He said that Naxalism and Maoism destroyed the future of several youths.
"For four decades, huge areas and people were in their clutches under the fear of guns. Over 3,500 security personnel died protecting people; the number is higher than those who die in war," he said.
"When we came to power in 2014, we swore to rid the country of Naxals. I am happy Maoist violence is taking its last breath," he said, adding that several areas have become free of Naxalites and are becoming developed.
Modi added, "For years, those with Naxal mentality had their place in the power corridors. They were in government committees as advisors. Maoist thinking impacted policies.
