Dharmendra Pradhan hits back at Priyanka Gandhi over NEP, PM SHRI criticism; calls remarks 'ignorant, opportunistic'

New Delhi [India], October 30 (ANI): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday hit back at Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over her criticism of the National Education Policy (NEP) and PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) scheme, calling her remarks "a glaring display of ignorance and political opportunism."
Pradhan said that Priyanka Gandhi's comments were not only "irresponsible and misleading" but also an insult to the "collective wisdom" of India's educators, academicians, and citizens who contributed to the policy's formation.
In a post on X, Pradhan wrote, "The remarks made by Smt Priyanka Gandhi on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) initiative are a glaring display of ignorance and political opportunism. By making such irresponsible and misleading statements, she not only distorts facts but disrespects the collective wisdom of India's educators, academicians, and citizens who shaped these historic reforms."

The remarks made by Smt Priyanka Gandhi on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) initiative are a glaring display of ignorance and political opportunism. By making such irresponsible and misleading statements, she not… https://t.co/3Oq44KL68o

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) October 30, 2025

"For over 30 years, India waited for meaningful education reforms that could prepare its youth for the challenges of the 21st century. The NEP 2020, formulated under the guidance of Late Prof. K. Kasturirangan, a scientist of global eminence, was the result of one of the most exhaustive and inclusive consultation processes ever undertaken," Pradhan said.
He highlighted that the policy emphasises inclusion, equity, quality learning, and global competitiveness, while being rooted in India's civilizational ethos.
Describing PM SHRI schools as the "living embodiment" of NEP's vision, Pradhan said these institutions reflect the future of Indian education through smart classrooms, innovation labs, vocational hubs, eco-friendly campuses, and inclusive learning spaces.
"These exemplar schools represent the future of Indian education, featuring smart classrooms, Atal Tinkering and Innovation Labs, digital and experiential learning, libraries, eco-friendly campuses, vocational and skill hubs, and inclusive spaces for every child. They actively promote arts, culture, sports, and environmental stewardship, nurturing creativity, confidence, and character," he wrote.
In a sharp retort to the Congress leader, Pradhan said that opposing such visionary initiatives was tantamount to rejecting the idea of a self-reliant India that no longer needs validation from "old political dynasties."
"Perhaps the discomfort stems from the fact that for decades, education was reduced to political rhetoric and neglect. Now that reforms are actually being implemented, it is convenient for some to feign outrage rather than acknowledge success," he said.
"If empowering children with innovation, critical thinking, and pride in Bharat's heritage is 'ideological,' then yes, the ideology is nation-building," the union minister later said.
Earlier in the day, Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra accused the BJP-led Central government of using the NEP and the PM SHRI scheme to "brainwash children" with its ideology.
Speaking to reporters, Priyanka Gandhi said, "The NEP and PM SHRI have been brought in by the BJP government to brainwash children according to their own ideology. They have inserted so many factual inaccuracies, removed and changed a lot of historical data, and ideologically it's entirely leaning one way."
She further said such an approach was 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," she added.
"We are against it, and we oppose it. I had hoped that the state government in Kerala would have opposed it too, but I'm surprised they haven't, the post further reads.
Launched in 2022, the PM SHRI aims at creating 14,500 exemplar institutions across the country that showcase various aspects of the NEP. (ANI)