The Times of India News Service

KOLKATA: National Students Union of India (NSUI) president Meenakshi Natarajan on Saturday called for mobilising a strong student movement against the BJP-led NDA government's move to saffronise the entire education system in the country.

Speaking to newsmen after a meeting the West Bengal Chhatra Parishad office-bearers here, Natarajan said apart from launching movement, a strong mass awareness campaign was necessary to "resist such a dangerous move aimed at destroying the whole education system all over India".

She said it was an alarming proposition that the "human resources development minister has been issuing highly provocative statements from time to time with the sole aim to impose his party's own thoughts and ideals on the education system to suit its own purpose". The NSUI chief cautioned Chhatra Parishad activists against such a move and asked them to be alert to protect the nation's glorious heritage in education sector.

Attacking the Left Front government for its reported move to hike fees in educational institutions, Natarajan alleged that the state government had failed to improve the education system in its 24-year rule. "Rather, it has shamelessly politicised the sector for its own petty interest".

Natarajan met PCC chief Pranab Mukherjee and state Congress leaders to discuss the state of education in the Left-ruled West Bengal.

State Chhatra Parishad president Subhankar Sarkar said that a bulletin would be distributed all over the country to make the students aware against such dangers.