File Photo: Delhi University
Higher education loan scheme, one lakh jobs within a year and free wi-fi in colleges were among the promises made by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to students of poll-bound Delhi University on a star-studded event organised by Aam Admi Party or AAP's students' wing on Tuesday.
Apart from Mr Kejriwal, the event at the Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi also saw the presence of his deputy Manish Sisodia, Transport Minister Gopal Rai, and a number of popular Bollywood artistes, including singers Vishal Dadlani and Shilpa Rao.
AAP's students' wing Chhatra-Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS) has entered the fray for the first time turning the Delhi University Students Union or DUSU elections into a triangular contest. NSUI and ABVP have traditionally dominated the political scene of DU.
In his speech, Mr Kejriwal also pitched for "clean student politics" saying that Delhi University was besetted with corruption. The AAP government has reduced corruption in Delhi by over 70 per cent in six months, he said.
"We will make Delhi the first free-wifi state and our team is working hard to turn it into a reality soon. The start would be made at colleges across the state. We will also create around 1 lakh jobs within a year," Mr Kejriwal said.
Speaking before Mr Kejriwal, Mr Sisodia announced the government's decision to launch the higher education loan scheme, named after late former President A P J Abdul Kalam, on September 8, three days ahead of the polls.
Mr Kejriwal said the scheme was meant to ensure that no student has to abandon higher education for lack of money.
"There are students who cannot afford higher education for lack of financial strength. We will ensure guarantee loan for them."
The event, anchored by popular video jockey Raghu Ram, saw hundreds of students grooving to popular foot stomping numbers belted out by Dadlani and Rao. City-based band Astitva, singer Jasleen were the other performers.