Charcha Without Pariksha: Cancellation of NTSE Scholarship

Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), which started as a cute event where a Prime Minister interacted with students to guide them on examination stress, has now become an eyesore for many. An annual event initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the event serves as a platform for students, teachers, and parents to interact with the Prime Minister regarding exam-related stress and preparation strategies. This initiative has garnered substantial public attention, with millions of participants each year, reflecting its popularity and perceived value in addressing student concerns.

However, at the same time, the government has been cancelling scholarship exams which many believe provide more substantial worth than the Prime Minister’s PR event. The National Talent Search Examination (NTSE) and other scholarship programs, which have historically provided financial assistance to academically gifted students, have faced criticism due to their suspension in recent years. Critics argue that the discontinuation of these scholarships limits opportunities for deserving students, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds.

The juxtaposition of the significant funds allocated to PPC, over ₹62 crore in recent years, against the halted scholarship programs raises questions about the government’s educational priorities. This discussion sets the stage for a balanced analysis of the implications of these initiatives on student welfare, academic achievement, and the broader educational framework in India contrasting priorities of government initiatives aimed at student engagement and financial support for education.

Jargon

Pariksha Pe Charcha: An annual interactive program initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at addressing students’ concerns about exams and reducing exam-related stress. It involves direct interaction with students, teachers, and parents, where the Prime Minister shares advice and motivational insights.
National Talent Search Examination (NTSE): A prestigious scholarship program established in 1963 to identify and nurture talented students from Class X onwards. It provides financial support for students pursuing education from school through doctoral levels, but has faced suspension in recent years.
Public Relations (PR) Exercise: Activities or events designed to promote a positive image of an individual or organisation, often involving media engagement. Critics argue that initiatives like Pariksha Pe Charcha serve more as PR stunts for political figures rather than addressing substantive educational needs.
Scholarship: Financial aid awarded to students based on various criteria, such as academic merit or financial need, to support their education. Scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs.

Viewpoints 💭

‘Left’ Viewpoint

Ideological Differences

‘Right’ Viewpoint

The left criticises the Modi government for prioritising Pariksha Pe Charcha over the National Talent Search Examination scholarships, which have been halted, arguing that this shift reflects a focus on publicity rather than substantive educational support.
They argue that the funds allocated to PPC could have been better utilised to support scholarships for economically disadvantaged students, thereby promoting educational equity.
The left views the suspension of NTSE scholarships as a move that limits opportunities for academically gifted students from marginalised backgrounds, undermining the principle of meritocracy.
Critics from the left describe PPC as a public relations exercise that lacks professional engagement and expertise, contrasting it with the tangible benefits of scholarship programs.
The left emphasises the historical significance of NTSE scholarships in nurturing talent and providing financial aid, viewing their suspension as a step backwards in supporting educational advancement.

The left criticises the allocation of significant funds to Pariksha Pe Charcha as a misplacement of priorities, arguing that these resources could be better spent on scholarships to support economically disadvantaged students, while the right views PPC as a necessary investment in student well-being and national unity.
While the left emphasises the importance of scholarships like NTSE in promoting educational equity and supporting marginalised communities, the right highlights PPC’s role in fostering a positive educational environment and addressing exam-related stress on a national scale.
The left perceives PPC as a public relations exercise lacking substantive educational value, contrasting it with the tangible benefits of scholarship programs, whereas the right sees PPC as an innovative approach to education that aligns with broader reforms aimed at holistic student development.
Critics from the left argue that the suspension of NTSE scholarships undermines meritocracy and limits opportunities for talented students, while the right believes that PPC’s widespread participation and popularity demonstrate its effectiveness in engaging students and addressing their concerns.
The left views the government’s focus on PPC as a step backwards in supporting educational advancement, while the right contends that the initiative reflects a commitment to innovative educational approaches and the Prime Minister’s personal investment in the future of India’s youth.

The right views Pariksha Pe Charcha as a valuable initiative that addresses exam stress and promotes a positive educational environment, with Prime Minister Modi’s direct engagement seen as inspiring for students.
They argue that PPC’s popularity and widespread participation demonstrate its effectiveness in reaching a large audience and addressing student concerns on a national scale.
The right believes that PPC fosters a sense of community and national pride, encouraging students to view exams as opportunities for growth rather than sources of stress.
Supporters of PPC argue that the initiative aligns with broader educational reforms aimed at holistic development, moving away from rote learning to competency-based assessments.
The right contends that the government’s focus on PPC reflects a commitment to innovative educational approaches, with the Prime Minister’s involvement seen as a personal investment in the future of India’s youth.

Prominent Voices 📣

From the ‘Left’

From the ‘Right’

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (Congress General Secretary): Criticises the government for prioritising Pariksha Pe Charcha over scholarships, viewing it as a PR exercise that neglects substantive educational support. ¹ ²
Jairam Ramesh (Congress Leader): Highlights the discontinuation of scholarships due to budget constraints and criticises the expenditure on Pariksha Pe Charcha as wasteful. ¹
Randeep Singh Surjewala (Congress MP): Criticises the government’s decision as a conspiracy against poor SC/ST children, highlighting a history of budget cuts and welfare reductions. ³
Kunwar Danish Ali (BSP leader): Argues that the decision is a tactic to prevent minority children from accessing education, emphasising the importance of education for national progress. ³
Ashok Agrawal (Chairperson of the All India Parents Association): Questions the government’s priorities, pointing out the contradiction between spending on PPC and discontinuing the Talent Search, while schools lack basic infrastructure. ⁴

Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India): Emphasises the importance of Pariksha Pe Charcha in reducing exam stress and fostering a supportive environment for students. ⁵ ⁶
Dharmendra Pradhan (Union Education Minister): Highlights the record-breaking registration numbers for Pariksha Pe Charcha, indicating strong enthusiasm among students nationwide. ⁷