Congress moves NHRC over students selling blood for coaching fees in Prayagraj
A delegation led by Rajendra Pal Gautam alleged that economically disadvantaged students are selling blood to afford education and hostel costs.
A Congress delegation led by All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Uttar Pradesh Rajendra Pal Gautam moved the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday to seek intervention regarding the alleged sale of blood by students in Prayagraj and other cities.
According to a report by The Hindu, the complaint cited an investigative report published by a Hindi daily between October 25 and 27. The memorandum alleged that NEET and SSC aspirants from low-income farming families are selling blood to pay coaching fees of ₹1.20 lakh to ₹1.80 lakh per year, alongside monthly hostel and mess charges of ₹3,500 to ₹5,000.
Gautam, who also heads the party’s Schedule Castes department, said some students donate blood two to four times a month, which poses health risks such as anaemia and weakness. He stated that the situation violates the right to life, health, and education under Article 21.
The complaint alleged that agents and brokers near blood banks approach students. While relatives pay approximately ₹8,000 for blood, students reportedly receive only ₹3,500 to ₹4,000 after paying ₹1,500 in processing charges.
Gautam said the BJP government has brought the country to a state where poor students must sell blood for education expenses. He noted that while blood banks were not directly involved in commercial dealings, they were aware of the practice occurring outside their premises.
The NHRC Chairperson has assured Gautam that the rights body will probe the matter, according to the Congress leader.