A lawmaker of the Bharatiya Janata Party from Madhya Pradesh has suggested that students open "motorcycle puncture repair shops” instead of pursuing college degrees. In a stark irony, Pannalal Shakya made the statement at an event to inaugurate a 'PM College of Excellence' in his Guna assembly constituency.
"We are opening a PM College of Excellence today. I appeal to everyone to keep one sentence (bodh vakya) in mind that nothing is going to happen with these college degrees. Instead, open a motorcycle puncture repair shop to at least earn a livelihood," the legislator was quoted as saying by PTI.
The PM College of Excellence was e-inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in 55 districts of Madhya Pradesh at a function held in Indore on Sunday. Separate events were held in each district, including Guna.
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Addressing the event, Shah said Madhya Pradesh has scripted an important chapter in the New Education Policy by making it a reality. He said that the purpose of education is to bring out all the strengths in the student, give them a platform and a chance to grow.
Meanwhile, Shakya had his take also on the mega sapling plantation drive held in Indore on Sunday. "People are planting trees but not interested in watering them,” he said.
A world record 11 lakh-plus saplings were planted in a span of 24 hours as part of the drive.
Shakya is a second term MLA from Guna. He had courted controversy in 2018 after he suggested that girls should avoid having boyfriends to prevent the risk of assault.