In a major outreach to the Gen Z in India, the Modi government plans to send one Union Minister to one university every day to engage with young people, discuss their concerns, and better understand their perspectives on issues facing the country.

The initiative comes against the backdrop of student protests over the NEET-UG paper leak issue at Jantar Mantar in the national capital and in other parts of the country.

Under the 'One Day, One University' programme, a Union Minister will visit an assigned university to interact with students, listen to their views on different subjects, and inform them about various government welfare schemes, particularly those for youth and students, sources aware of the initiative told PTI.

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi and Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya have been given the responsibility to coordinate visits with the universities and Ministers.

“The plan also figured in a meeting of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (August 19, 2026),” sources said.

According to the University Grants Commission, there are as many as 1,300 universities in the country, including 57 Central universities and 522 State universities, while others are either deemed-to-be or private universities.

The police crackdown on protesting students here on July 20, 2026 led to a massive backlash, with the Opposition disrupting proceedings during the monsoon session of Parliament. Amidst the protests, Dharmendra Pradhan had to resign as Education Minister on July 25, 2026. Mr. Modi has reached out to students through social media in recent weeks.

In his Independence Day address, the PM announced a slew of youth-centric initiatives, including free online coaching, an AI skilling programme, and a sports talent hunt, while listing out opportunities for youth in areas ranging from manufacturing, space, and nuclear technology to semiconductors.

Published - August 19, 2026 09:24 pm IST