<p>Protests have surged in India as thousands of students and other workers express frustration over the country’s underfunded education system and limited employment prospects for graduates, challenging the political standing of Prime Minister Modi in his 13th year in office.</p><p>The government has faced inflationary pressure and external economic shocks, such as the spillover effects from regional conflicts, while attempting to control energy costs for businesses and citizens. However, the protests have shifted focus from accountability over the scrapped college-entrance exam to broader demands, including compensation for those injured in clashes.</p><p>Despite Modi’s assurances on social media about prioritizing youth welfare and promises to establish fast-track tribunals for exam misconduct, protesters consider these responses inadequate. The movement, led by a group inspired by a remark from the chief justice, highlights systemic issues in education and a persistent jobs crisis, with unemployment particularly high among young graduates.</p><p>Many protesters are students or young workers who feel desperate about education quality and employment, with smaller demonstrations spreading to several major cities. The protests reflect a broader public dissatisfaction with the government’s ability to address long-standing economic and educational challenges, amid a growing sense that the state fails to provide meaningful opportunities for graduates.</p><p>Analysts note the economy has been growing, but the formal unemployment rate understates the problem, as a large portion of workers remain outside formal employment. A significant share of young graduates remains unemployed, and there is substantial debt tied to education for many families.</p><p>The situation is difficult for the government to resolve in the near term, as the leadership and organization of the protests are decentralized, and the underlying issues extend beyond a single incident or policy. The movement argues for accountability in education management and systemic reforms to improve job prospects for graduates.</p>
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