Pune tribal students to meet Maharashtra Minister in Mumbai today; hunger strike continues for 11th day

Pune: On the 12th day of a hunger strike by tribal students at the government tribal hostel in Manjari, their demands remained focused on age restrictions, hostel conditions, insurance coverage and tribal employment. The protest began on August 13, after the Tribal Development Department issued a Government Resolution (GR) limiting hostel residents to a maximum age of 26 years.

However, students at Manjari said the age limit was particularly unfair to their community, who often struggle financially and face delays in entering higher education. The GR was later amended to increase the age limit to 30 years and permit students to participate in protests and media interactions. Yet, many of their concerns remain unresolved.

The hunger strike was highlighted when tribal student Nisha Sabale raised her grievances during Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's Chhatron Ki Goonj interaction in Pune on August 22. Sabale demanded the removal of the age limit and expressed concerns about the government's response to tribal students' issues. Among their demands is compensation for families of three tribal girls who died in a snakebite incident at an ashramshala in Gadchiroli, with a request for ₹1 crore per family.

They also seek insurance coverage for students in tribal hostels and ashramshalas, as well as accountability for those responsible. Additional demands include proper insurance for students, safe educational facilities, action on the recruitment of 12,500 tribal candidate posts, and addressing concerns related to pending recruitment processes and PESA employees relief.

Students stressed that without resolution, they face uncertain futures, as hostel infrastructure and commuting difficulties limit their study time.