Opposition must not use young as fodder
Source Entity
Guru Prakash
Young protesters at Jantar Mantar are demanding accountability following police crackdowns amid widespread frustration over competitive exam leaks. This crisis highlights the intersection of institutional apathy, political exploitation of student grievances, and a deepening unemployment crisis.
The Crisis of Confidence: Students, Systems, and the Street
The Human Cost of Exam Integrity
For the youth of India, a competitive examination represents far more than a mere academic assessment. It is the culmination of years of family sacrifice, the pooling of household savings, and the concentration of a small town's collective hope into a single three-hour window. When exam papers are leaked, the damage inflicted transcends the logistical failure of a test; it shatters the fundamental contract of trust between the state and its aspiring citizens. The psychological toll on students who see their hard work rendered meaningless by systemic corruption is profound, fueling the current wave of protests centered at Jantar Mantar.
The Chasm Between Judiciary and Citizenry
Recent judicial remarks during hearings regarding police excesses have sparked significant debate regarding the role of the Supreme Court as a guardian of civil liberties. When Chief Justice of India Surya Kant reportedly dismissed requests to review evidence of police crackdown on protesters with comments suggesting a lack of time for such matters, it signaled a perceived disconnect between the highest institution of justice and the vulnerable. This interaction at the bench risks widening the gulf between the citizen and the state, as protestors seeking legal recourse for their treatment at the hands of law enforcement are left feeling unheard and unprotected.
The Politicization of Student Grief
There exists a delicate line in a mature democracy between genuine civic grievance and the opportunistic exploitation of that grief. While the protests are rooted in legitimate anger against corruption, there is an ongoing tension regarding the role of political entities. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) maintains that it is rooted in a history of dissent and does not fear opposition, yet critics argue that the government has failed to adequately address the concerns of the youth. Conversely, there is a recurring warning that opposition parties must avoid using these young protesters as political fodder, ensuring that the focus remains on reform rather than partisan point-scoring.
Squandering the Demographic Dividend
The urgency of these protests is underscored by grim economic realities. A dozen years ago, India’s narrative was defined by its 'demographic dividend'—the potential for a massive, young workforce to drive unprecedented growth. Today, that narrative has shifted toward the risk of a 'lost generation.' ILO estimates indicate that unemployment in the 15-24 age group reached 17.2% in 2025, up from 15% in 2024. Even more alarming is the 21% unemployment rate among women with advanced education, suggesting that the current system is failing to absorb the very talent it is producing.
The Path Toward Reform
To move forward, the administration must pivot from a posture of confrontation to one of dialogue and accountability. The teargassing and physical suppression of students in the national capital have only served to galvanize youth sentiment across the country. The path toward resolution requires a multi-faceted approach: addressing the integrity of the examination process to restore faith, providing transparency in legal proceedings to ensure justice for victims of police excess, and tackling the structural unemployment crisis that leaves the youth feeling disenfranchised and desperate.
Conclusion
The convergence of systemic exam corruption, economic stagnation, and a perceived lack of institutional empathy has created a volatile environment. Unless the government and the judiciary acknowledge the legitimacy of these grievances, the cycle of protest and crackdown is likely to continue. The future of India’s youth depends on the state's ability to transition from viewing these protests as a nuisance to recognizing them as a vital call for the institutional reforms necessary to secure the nation's long-term stability.
Multiple Citing Sources