RSS urges govt-society joint action on youth issues: NEET, drugs, AI

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders on Friday said that systemic issues affecting the future of young people, including the NEET examination controversy, must be understood and addressed through a constructive partnership between the state and society.

Speaking to the media on the concluding day of the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Samanvay Baithak (All India Coordination Meeting) at Gudilova, RSS Sah Sarkaryavah (Joint General Secretary) C.R. Mukunda said the recent protests by students at Jantar Mantar should not be seen solely as a corruption issue. “Wherever there are shortcomings in the system, it is necessary to correct them through awareness in society, along with efforts by the government,” he said.

Mr. Mukunda emphasised that problems such as NEET or other systemic failures generate anxiety among the youth about their future, and it is essential to understand and respond to those concerns. He cautioned that solutions would not emerge through protest or disruption alone. “The government at the Centre, states and society must work together to improve the system through a positive and constructive approach,” he added.

The meeting brought together office-bearers and workers from 32 Sangh-inspired organisations working across various fields. A total of 326 delegates, including 49 women, participated in the deliberations held at the Vijnana Vihara Residential School campus.

Mr. Mukunda said the gathering held serious discussions on demographic change and imbalance. Noting that many countries face ageing populations and declining fertility rates, he said the situation in India was examined in this context. “Changes taking place in the population ratios of different regions and communities and their social impact were discussed, along with measures to maintain balance and harmony in society,” he said.

Expressing serious concern over the increasing reach of narcotic substances among the youth, the meeting stressed that this problem cannot be tackled by government or police alone, but requires the participation of the entire society. Mr. Mukunda said that rather than merely holding dialogues with young people, it is necessary to engage with them directly, understand their feelings, and foster a sense of affinity towards the country, culture and social values.

The meeting also deliberated on the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on society. While acknowledging the positive possibilities of AI, the participants discussed the precautions and challenges associated with it. “Emphasis was laid on the need to view it from the Indian perspective and within the Indian social context,” Mr. Mukunda said, adding that further deliberations will continue on using technology in society's interest and creating awareness about its potential adverse effects.

Sunil Ambekar, Akhila Bharata Prachara Pramukh, was also present at the press conference.