PM Modi: 650 New Universities, Doubled Medical Seats Since 2014

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the nation on the 80th Independence Day, highlighted the progress made in the education sector over the last decade. Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort, he said that India has added 650 new universities and more than doubled the number of medical seats since 2014.

Modi emphasised that his government introduced a new education policy after a prolonged gap. "For 35 years, there was no education policy. We brought a new education policy," he stated. The National Education Policy (NEP) was approved in 2020, replacing the previous policy from 1986. The NEP aims to revamp the education system with a focus on holistic, multidisciplinary and flexible learning.

The Prime Minister provided specific figures to underline the expansion in higher education. "From 2004 to 2014, there were fewer than 350 universities. And today, within 10-12 years, nearly 650 new universities have been added," he said. This growth, he suggested, has enhanced access to higher education for students across the country.

In the field of medical education, Modi claimed that the number of medical seats has increased significantly. "Before 2014, there were only 400 medical seats, and today nearly 850 medical seats are available," he said. It is worth noting that these numbers likely refer to medical colleges rather than individual seats, as the total number of medical colleges in India has risen from around 400 to over 700 in recent years.

Modi also spoke about India becoming an attractive destination for foreign universities. "Now foreign universities are also coming to India. Arrangements have also been made so that our youth can obtain foreign degrees within India," he stated. Under the new education policy, the University Grants Commission has issued guidelines allowing foreign universities to set up campuses in India, which is expected to provide students with international qualifications at lower costs.

The Independence Day address covered various aspects of the government's achievements and future roadmap. Education was a key focus, with the Prime Minister reiterating the commitment to transforming India into a knowledge-based economy. He also praised the youth for their potential and emphasised the need for skill development.

This was Modi's 11th consecutive Independence Day speech as Prime Minister. The event at the Red Fort is an annual tradition, marking the country's independence from British rule in 1947. The speech is broadcast live across the nation and is watched by millions.

While the figures cited by the Prime Minister are part of his public address, independent verification of all claims was not available at the time of reporting. The government's official statistics and educational reports are expected to provide detailed data on university and medical college expansion in due course.