Pune: Heavy Security Deployed At AISSMS College, Ahead Of Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ Programme

Pune: Heavy security arrangements have been put in place at the All India Shri Shivaji Memorial Society (AISSMS) College of Engineering in Pune on Saturday, where Congress MP Rahul and the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address students at the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event.

Security has also been heightened at Pune Airport ahead of Gandhi’s visit. The programme, which is scheduled to take place from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm, is expected to draw around 8,000 to 10,000 attendees.

Police impose 30 conditions

The 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' programme aims to provide a platform for students, particularly young women, to interact with Gandhi and raise issues related to education, safety, equality and career opportunities.

Meanwhile, the Pune Police had granted permission for the event earlier this week. In an official directive issued to former MLA and Maharashtra Congress Senior Vice President Mohan Joshi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone-5) Rajlakshmi Shivankar laid down 30 mandatory conditions to maintain law and order and ensure security during the programme.

As part of the guidelines, organisers have been prohibited from displaying provocative images, banners or portraits. Police have also stated that organisers will bear legal responsibility if any incident during the event leads to a law-and-order situation in the region.

Student outreach initiative

Furthermore, 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' was launched by Rahul Gandhi as a nationwide student outreach initiative aimed at providing a platform for students to raise concerns over issues including exam irregularities and paper leaks, rising education fees, privatisation of higher education and unemployment linked to alleged irregularities in competitive recruitment.

The campaign also seeks equal employment opportunities and greater structural support and safety for students and job aspirants.

Gandhi leaves for Pune

Meanwhile, Gandhi has left his residence for Pune to attend the programme.

While, earlier this month, he had said that the event would provide a dedicated platform for girls to voice their concerns and share their views, so that their voices would be heard across the country.