Education Ministry spent Rs 64.38 crore on PM Modi's Pariksha Pe Charcha since 2020

 Education Ministry Spent Rs 64.38 Crore on PM Modi's 'Pariksha Pe Charcha' Since 2020

The Education Ministry has allocated significant financial resources to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative, Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), since its inception, with a total expenditure of Rs 64.38 crore between 2020 and 2024. This flagship event aimed at alleviating students' exam-related stress and promoting mental well-being has sparked a mix of support and controversy regarding the extent of the government's investment.

Overview of Pariksha Pe Charcha

Pariksha Pe Charcha is an annual event hosted by Prime Minister Modi, where he interacts with students, teachers, and parents ahead of the exam season. The event, launched in 2018, is designed to address issues related to academic pressure and to inspire students to approach exams with a positive attitude. During the event, PM Modi shares tips on managing stress, building confidence, and focusing on holistic development, while also encouraging a relaxed and balanced approach to learning.

Breakdown of Expenditure

The Rs 64.38 crore spent since 2020 has been used to cover a variety of costs associated with the event. This includes the organization of the interactive sessions, logistics, communication outreach, and the creation of digital and offline resources. According to the Ministry of Education, a large portion of the budget went into public outreach efforts to engage students across the country, which included the development of promotional materials, media campaigns, and outreach via social media platforms.

In addition to organizing the event, substantial amounts were allocated for conducting training workshops, managing online contests for students, and the creation of a dedicated website for students to submit questions and participate in the discussions with the Prime Minister. The funding also helped establish partnerships with schools, educational institutions, and youth organizations to maximize participation in the event.

Public Reaction and Criticism

While Pariksha Pe Charcha has garnered praise for promoting mental health awareness among students, the significant expenditure has raised concerns among critics. Opponents have questioned the allocation of such a large sum of public funds on an event that, while impactful, could be seen as a one-time publicity exercise. Critics argue that the funds might have been better utilized for addressing deeper educational reforms, improving infrastructure, or enhancing student welfare programs across the nation.

On the other hand, supporters highlight that the event has been a valuable tool for promoting student well-being and addressing mental health concerns, which have become increasingly important in the modern education system. Many students and parents have expressed appreciation for the insights shared by the Prime Minister during these sessions, which have helped them cope with the pressures of academics.

Government's Justification

The Ministry of Education defended the expenditure, emphasizing that Pariksha Pe Charcha is an initiative aimed at creating a more supportive and holistic learning environment. The event not only serves as a platform for the Prime Minister to connect with students but also reinforces the government’s commitment to reducing the stress associated with exams and promoting a more balanced approach to education.

A spokesperson from the Ministry stated, "The funds spent on Pariksha Pe Charcha have been directed towards ensuring that the event reaches every corner of the country, especially underserved and remote areas. The event has been successful in reaching millions of students and parents, providing valuable insights into stress management and positive learning practices."

Future of Pariksha Pe Charcha

Looking ahead, it is expected that the government will continue to invest in and expand the scope of Pariksha Pe Charcha. Plans are underway to make the event even more inclusive, with an emphasis on reaching more students from rural and marginalized communities. Additionally, the event’s digital platform is likely to be further developed, offering a year-round resource for students dealing with academic stress.

The Education Ministry is also exploring the possibility of expanding the event to focus on more aspects of student life, such as career choices, skill development, and mental health, in a bid to make it more relevant to the changing needs of the youth in India.

Conclusion

The Rs 64.38 crore expenditure on Pariksha Pe Charcha highlights the government's significant commitment to fostering a positive academic culture in the country. While the financial outlay has sparked debate, the long-term benefits of promoting mental well-being among students cannot be overlooked. Moving forward, it will be important for the government to strike a balance between spending on such initiatives and addressing the broader challenges faced by India's education system.