Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan addressed the initiative to establish selfie points in colleges featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s pictures. According to Pradhan, the encouragement for such installations stems from the global recognition that the Prime Minister has brought to the country, and it is intended as a source of pride. He emphasized that there is no obligation for students to take photos at these points, highlighting the democratic freedom of choice.
In response to objections raised in the Lok Sabha, Pradhan defended the initiative, drawing a parallel with the tradition of having pictures of the president, prime minister, and Mahatma Gandhi on walls in schools and offices. He argued that if students wish to celebrate and capture moments at these selfie points, they are free to do so. The central message conveyed was that it is not a mandatory requirement but rather an opportunity for students to express pride in the global achievements of the Prime Minister.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) had recently issued a directive urging universities and colleges nationwide to set up selfie points at strategic locations on their campuses. However, it is essential to note that the institutions are expected to adhere to approved designs and 3D layouts provided by the Ministry of Education.
In response to the initiative, the Congress criticized the government, alleging that Prime Minister Modi was employing such tactics to salvage his image in the lead-up to the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The debate surrounding this directive has thus become a point of discussion, reflecting the intersection of politics and education in the country.