Chandigarh, 12 August (Harbans Singh)
: Isherpreet Singh Sidhu, President of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) Punjab, has issued a sharp rebuke against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s decision to privatize eight government colleges in Punjab by granting them autonomous status under the University Grants Commission (UGC). Sidhu condemned the move as a direct assault on the educational rights of Punjab’s youth, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, and accused the AAP government of abandoning its so-called commitment to accessible and equitable education.
In a strong statement, Isherpreet Singh Sidhu said, “The AAP government, which once paraded its so-called education model as a beacon of hope, is now systematically dismantling the very foundation of public education in Punjab. By privatizing government colleges, they are not upgrading these institutions but rather downgrading the hopes and dreams of countless students who rely on affordable education to build their futures.”
Sidhu emphasized that this move would only exacerbate the existing challenges faced by these institutions. “The government colleges in Punjab are already grappling with severe understaffing, inadequate infrastructure, and outdated resources. Instead of addressing these core issues, the AAP government has chosen to take the easy way out by pushing these colleges towards privatization. This is nothing but a betrayal of the students’ trust and a clear indication of the government’s priorities—profit over people.”
Sidhu and other members of NSUI Punjab took immediate action, handing over a memorandum to the principal of Government College Phase 6, Mohali. The memorandum outlined the concerns of the student body and demanded immediate intervention to halt the privatization process. The memorandum read, “The privatization of government colleges will lead to a substantial increase in fees, making education unaffordable for many students, especially those from economically weaker sections. This will only serve to widen the gap between the rich and the poor, leaving the most vulnerable students behind.”
The memorandum also highlighted the potential long-term damage to the education system in Punjab, stating, “Autonomy for these colleges will allow these institutions to hike fees, introduce expensive courses, and ultimately cater only to those who can afford it. This move undermines the very purpose of government colleges, which is to provide affordable, quality education to all, regardless of their financial background.”
Isherpreet Singh Sidhu criticized the AAP’s broader education model. “The so-called education revolution promised by AAP has turned into a nightmare for Punjab’s students. The AAP government has shown that it is more interested in filling its coffers than in ensuring that every child in Punjab has access to quality education. This government is selling out our students’ futures for a quick buck.”
Sidhu concluded with a call to action, urging the student community and concerned citizens to stand against this privatization drive. “We cannot and will not allow the AAP government to deprive our students of their right to education. NSUI Punjab will continue to fight against these anti-student policies and ensure that the voice of every student is heard loud and clear. We demand that the AAP government immediately withdraw this ill-conceived decision and instead focus on strengthening the existing government colleges.”
