A parliamentary standing committee has reported that the central government has failed to effectively implement its scheme providing free coaching to economically disadvantaged students preparing for competitive examinations. According to a report tabled in Parliament on August 10, the Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment noted that the Ministry of Social Justice had set an annual target of enrolling 3,500 students for free coaching, but this target was not achieved. Over the past three years, only 2,790 students were enrolled against a combined target of 10,500, which is about 26% of the intended number. The report's findings come at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, announced the rollout of free online coaching.