Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Saturday to announce a series of measures and initiatives aimed at India’s youth, with a focus on education, innovation, employment and social challenges. The announcements came days after student-led protests demanding reforms in competitive examinations and accountability over issues surrounding entrance tests.

The Prime Minister also announced free online coaching for various competitive examinations. He argued that the cost of private coaching places a financial burden on poor and middle-class families and said the initiative could reduce the need for students to move to distant cities for preparation.

The announcements came against the backdrop of recent student protests over competitive examination reforms. Student groups had raised concerns over examination systems and demanded greater accountability from the authorities. The timing of the Prime Minister’s youth-focused announcements therefore drew attention, although the measures announced in the speech cover broader issues beyond examination reforms.

The Prime Minister also called on young people to participate actively in the ongoing Census exercise. He said even one or two hours of participation could contribute to the country’s development and urged families to verify personal details carefully. Modi said technology would enable citizens to provide information through mobile phones, subject to verification by officials.