New Delhi: The Congress on Friday criticised the Centre after Delhi University (DU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) advised students to stay away from protests at Jantar Mantar, alleging that the Modi government was using educational institutions to intimidate students instead of addressing concerns over the alleged NEET paper leak.

The opposition party also reiterated its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the examination controversy.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the government was using the country's universities as "propaganda outlets" to discourage students from participating in democratic protests.

He said that instead of seeking the resignation of the Education Minister and initiating a meaningful discussion on reforms in the education system, the Centre had chosen to undermine institutions of higher learning.

Kharge also claimed that the developments reflected what he described as the deterioration of the education system over the past decade.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also criticised Delhi University's advisory, questioning its decision to caution students against participating in protests.

In a post on social media, Gandhi accused the university of threatening students for exercising their democratic rights and said those responsible would be held accountable.

The criticism came after Delhi University issued an advisory asking students and faculty members to stay away from demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.

The university said participation in unlawful assemblies could invite legal action, pose risks to personal safety and adversely affect students' academic progress and future professional opportunities.

It also urged students to remain cautious about misleading information circulating on social media.

Jawaharlal Nehru University issued a similar advisory on Friday, asking students, faculty and staff to refrain from participating in or visiting gatherings around Jantar Mantar.

The university cited Supreme Court directions relating to public demonstrations and warned that violations could attract legal consequences as well as disciplinary action under the institution's code of conduct.

JNU also urged members of its academic community to act responsibly and uphold the values of responsible citizenship.

The advisories come amid continuing protests by students over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and other examination-related issues.

Student groups have been staging demonstrations at Jantar Mantar since June 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, reforms in the examination system and greater accountability over the alleged irregularities in national-level entrance examinations.