Jaipur: The Rajasthan Congress on Friday alleged that the education system in the country was "not meant for the poor" and announced plans to launch a statewide campaign to raise the issue.

Addressing a press conference at the party's state headquarters here, Rajasthan Congress chief Govind Singh Dotasra accused the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in the state of undermining democratic institutions and failing to address key public concerns.

"The education system in the country is not meant for the poor, it troubles everyone and forces students into distress. It needs to be changed," Dotasra said, referring to concerns raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during his recent interaction with students in Kota.

He said suggestions had been sought from people and intellectuals across the country on reforming the education system to ensure that children from poor families have access to opportunities in fields such as medicine, engineering and civil services.

Dotasra also alleged misuse of central agencies and claimed that democratic rights were being eroded.

"The Constitution is being tampered with and there are attempts to end voting rights and misuse agencies like the Income Tax Department and the CBI," he alleged.

Targeting the Rajasthan government, Dotasra claimed it had failed to conduct local body and panchayat elections and was neglecting issues affecting the urban poor, including housing and drinking water.

Leader of Opposition in the Rajasthan Assembly Tika Ram Jully alleged that the delay in holding elections to panchayats and municipal bodies amounted to "an insult to democracy".

"Elected representatives are being made to switch parties through money power and fear of agencies like the ED, Income Tax Department and CBI. This is dangerous for democracy and the Constitution," Jully alleged.

The Congress leaders said the party would launch an outreach campaign across districts over the next week to highlight issues related to the education system and alleged irregularities, including examination paper leaks.

They also extended greetings on Rahul Gandhi's birthday, describing the occasion as significant for party workers.