JAIPUR: The state college education commissionerate issued a directive for 20 govt colleges to repaint their front facades and entry halls in shades of orange and white as part of the Kayakalp scheme, aimed at creating a positive campus environment.
The move has sparked a political row with the Congress party alleging that the BJP-led state govt is using educational institutions to project its politics symbolically.
The directive, which follows a recent decision to replace black bicycles with saffron-coloured ones across the state, specifies that colleges use 'Asian Paints White Gold 8292' and 'Asian Paints Orange Crown 7974' for repainting.
According to officials, 'Orange Crown' is a light saffron shade selected to invoke feelings of energy, enthusiasm, and optimism, distinct from the deeper saffron on the BJP flag. "Saffron, when used on a building's facade, creates a welcoming and positive first impression, making people feel uplifted and drawn to the place," one official explained.
However, the Congress criticised the initiative as an attempt to politicise educational spaces. "The BJP govt is imposing its ideology in colleges," said PCC general secretary Swarnim Chaturvedi. "With no significant achievements to showcase, the govt is resorting to such symbolic gestures to distract people from its unmet promises."
The Kayakalp scheme will be initially implemented across 20 govt colleges, with two institutions selected from each division for the first phase. Officials suggest that more colleges could be included in the future as part of broader beautification and revitalisation efforts.
Responding to Congress' allegations, BJP spokesperson Laxmikant Bhardwaj defended the colour choice and accused the opposition of promoting an "anti-Hindu mindset". "Opposing orange colour highlights Congress' biases," Bhardwaj stated. "They would like to paint everything green to cater to a particular community for votes. The Kayakalp scheme will extend to all colleges in the coming months."
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