Centre plans ‘One Day, One University’ programme to connect ministers with Gen Z

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government is planning to step up its outreach to Gen Z through university visits by Union ministers and increased engagement on social media. In a cabinet meeting held on August 19, ministers were asked to step up efforts to ensure their messages reach a wider audience, particularly young people.

"Performance data on the social media accounts of Cabinet ministers was shared at the meeting chaired by Modi, with the prime minister topping the ranking list, they said. The reach of ministers' social media posts was discussed at the meeting, where it was stressed that greater efforts should be made to ensure their messages reach a wider audience, especially young people," the sources told PTI.

The government's increased focus on youth outreach comes amid protests by students over NEET UG 2026 paper leak and other issues concerning the education sector. PM Modi himself reached out to students through social media on several days following protests over NEET paper leak in Delhi and other parts of the country.

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‘One Day, One University’

A Deccan Chronicle report says the government is planning a ‘One Day, One University’ initiative as it steps up engagement with students and Gen Z. Under this, a Union minister will visit a university every day to interact with students, understand their concerns and discuss their views on issues facing the country.

Under the proposed programme, a union minister will visit an assigned university to interact with students and make them aware of government welfare schemes, particularly those aimed at young people and that could be beneficial to students.

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The report said Education Minister Pralhad Joshi and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya have been given the responsibility of coordinating with universities and ministers for the visits. At a Cabinet meeting in the last week of July, Modi had advised Union ministers to increase their social media engagement, with particular emphasis on Instagram.

For youth, PM Modi had also announced initiatives on August 15, including free online coaching, an AI skilling programme, a sports talent hunt and an expansion of the civil defence network. He also highlighted opportunities for young people in sectors including manufacturing, space, nuclear energy and semiconductors.

(With PTI inputs)