India Education Minister Resigns Amid Gen Z Protests
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- India's Gen Z protests convulsed streets in recent weeks, ending this weekend with the resignation of India's education minister.
- India has 367 million people aged 15-29 — the world's largest Gen Z cohort — but researchers project this demographic window will begin slowing by 2030.
- Modi's government faces one of the most serious challenges to his 12-year leadership as millions graduate unprepared for university or work despite families paying more than ever for education and private tutors.
- India's education system shows a mass exodus from government schools into private institutions, with college admissions described as intensely competitive, expensive, and out of reach for the poor.
- 19-year-old protester Abeer Agarwal told demonstrators in the capital: "We are not learning anything here. Our schools are not up to the standard."
Why it matters: Modi's 12-year leadership faces one of its most serious challenges as 367 million Indians aged 15-29 confront an education system that leaves most unprepared for work. The education minister's resignation shows street pressure can force cabinet-level concessions, but the demographic window projected to slow by 2030 leaves India little time to convert its youth bulge into economic growth.
