Rajasthan: Gehlot questions centre's implementation of free coaching scheme for SC, OBC students

Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday targeted the BJP-led Centre over the implementation of a free coaching scheme for SC and OBC students, alleging that a parliamentary committee report has exposed the government's claims of social justice. Gehlot, in a statement, claimed that only 223 students, or 6.4 per cent of the target of 3,500, received coaching under the scheme in 2023-24, while the figure stood at only 12.3 per cent in 2025-26.

He also alleged that the budget for the scheme was reduced from Rs 47 crore to Rs 20 crore. "This is not negligence but a deliberate policy," the Congress leader said, alleging that the government was seeking votes from SC and OBC communities while reducing allocations for an education scheme benefiting their children.

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Gehlot said the parliamentary committee itself observed that the government's response was unsatisfactory, describing it as an indication of its intent. He said the Congress government in Rajasthan introduced the Anuprati Coaching Scheme, under which thousands of SC, ST and OBC students were given priority and a platform to prepare for competitive examinations. "The BJP government should understand that playing with the education of Dalits and backward classes will not be tolerated," the former chief minister said.