UP pushes smart schools, Rahul Gandhi targets MP govt with education data in Indore

Education and employment have once again become a political battleground, with Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh at the centre of the clash. While the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh is overhauling schools in the second phase of its digital push, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is preparing to take on the Madhya Pradesh government through a programme called "Chhatron Ki Goonj."

Following "Operation Kayakalp" in Uttar Pradesh's basic education department, the focus has now shifted to smart education. The Yogi cabinet has approved an initial budget of Rs 300 crore to convert 14,429 primary schools into smart schools. Each school will receive Rs 2,07,910 for the purpose. These schools will get smart TVs, 3D animation content, ICT labs and digital libraries. More than 32,000 schools in the state already have smart classrooms, and 2.61 lakh teachers have been given tablets. However, the Congress and the Samajwadi Party have called the scheme an "election stunt," alleging that the budget proposal had already been included in the main budget presented in February 2026.

Meanwhile in Madhya Pradesh, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will hold a direct interaction with youth and students in Indore on September 19, 2026. Citing security concerns, the administration has imposed conditions on the venue and granted permission subject to five conditions and a security deposit of Rs 10 lakh.

Congress has used data to target the government over the visit. The party says 12 crore children drop out of school and 10 crore youth do not get to attend college in the country. Sixteen percent of teaching posts are vacant nationally, with 22 percent vacant in Uttar Pradesh and 19 percent in Madhya Pradesh. Compared to 2014, Madhya Pradesh now has 30,650 fewer schools. The party also said the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education stands at just 30 percent.

Responding to the Congress allegations, BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya took a dig at Rahul Gandhi's visit. The Mohan Yadav government said Madhya Pradesh has approved Rs 45,358 crore for education this year, 13.7 percent of the total budget, and that schemes such as "Super 100" and "Sandipani School" are strengthening the education system.