‘Insult to collective wisdom’: Dharmendra Pradhan slams Priyanka Gandhi’s remarks on NEP, PM SHRI

Strongly criticising Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi over her recent remarks on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI), Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan termed them “a glaring display of ignorance and political opportunism.”

Wayanad leader commented that the policies aim to “brainwash” children according to BJP’s ideologies. Pointing out to the recent changes made by NCERT, she alleged they have inserted so many factual inaccuracies, removed and changed a lot of historical data, and ideologically it's entirely leaning one way.

“That's not healthy for children's education. They should have a large perspective, and if they have different ideologies, they should all be educated about them to ensure they are aware of them,” Gandhi said.

Attacking the Kerala government for its decision to join the PM SHRI scheme, Priyanka Gandhi expressed surprise, saying that she hoped that they would have opposed it.

BJP defends policies

In a heavily-worded statement on X, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader said her statement is “irresponsible and misleading”, accusing her of not only distorting facts but also disrespecting the “collective wisdom of India’s educators, academicians, and citizens” who contributed to shaping historic reforms.

Pradhan highlighted that NEP 2020, formulated under the guidance of late professor K Kasturirangan, was the result of one of the most exhaustive and inclusive consultation processes ever undertaken, involving lakhs of teachers, students, and institutions across the nation.

“For over 30 years, India waited for meaningful education reforms that could prepare its youth for the challenges of the 21st century,” he said and added, “the policy seeks to modernize the education system with an emphasis on inclusion, equity, quality learning, and global competitiveness, while remaining firmly anchored in India’s civilizational ethos.”

Defending the PM SHRI scheme, he described them as the “living embodiment” of NEP’s vision and future of Indian school education – featuring smart classrooms, Atal Tinkering and Innovation Labs, digital and experiential learning tools, libraries, eco-friendly campuses, and vocational and skill hubs. Also, the schools promote arts, culture, sports, and environmental stewardship. “In essence, PM SHRI schools blend modernity with moral strength, technology with tradition, and innovation with inclusion,” he stated.

BJP charged that the Member of Parliament (MP)’s opposition to these “visionary” initiatives is not to critique policy but to stand against the idea of this nation that can run without approval from old political dynasties to educate the children. The discomfort, probably, stems from the fact that reforms are being finally implemented after decades when education was reduced to political rhetoric and neglect.

“If empowering children with innovation, critical thinking, and pride in Bharat’s heritage is “ideological,” then yes, the ideology is nation-building,” Dharmendra Pradhan asserted, while concluding his statement.