PM Modi announces free online coaching for competitive exams in Independence Day speech

PM Modi said that coaching classes are a burden on the poor and middle class. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced free online coaching for competitive exams during his speech on Independence Day from Red Fort. In big outreach to Gen Z in the backdrop of massive protests against examination irregularities, Modi said that coaching classes are a burden on the poor and middle class. Track live updates on Independence Day celebrationsPrime Minister Narendra Modi during the 8oth Independence Day celebrations, at Red Fort in New Delhi. (@narendramodi)“The competition surrounding coaching classes has become a huge burden for middle-class families. Every parent feels that if they do not send their child to a coaching centre, they are somehow falling behind or do not belong to a respectable family,” Modi said, adding that the government wants to help people save the thousands of crores of rupees they spend on coaching.Also read: ‘Some enjoyed making scary predictions’: PM Modi on Covid, wars and shortage rumours in big I-day speechModi said the youth should be able to stay closer to their families and avoid placing an additional financial burden on them. “Therefore, we have decided to provide free online coaching for various competitive examinations for our youth,” he said, and added, “We have digital public infrastructure, and we have highly talented teachers and educators.”The government's online coaching move comes weeks after youth-led protests against examination irregularities were held across various parts of the country, with the most prominent one being held at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.More details awaitedFollow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read MorePm ModiGet the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather major national developments and Karnataka Bandh LIVE.