Pregnancy tests, age cap led to tribal students’ 13-day revolt. Then Rahul Gandhi stepped in

On August 25, the Maharashtra government abandoned a 30-year age restriction for tribal hostel admissions and suspended a GR issued on August 14 regarding hostel amenities. The move followed a 13-day student protest in Pune led by Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. Ashok Uike, Tribal Development Minister, stated the government had deliberated on the issue and decided not to impose any age limits.

The protests stemmed from demands for better hostel facilities, admission rules, and allegations that women students underwent pregnancy tests post-long leaves. Maharashtra's tribal hostel rules have been revised twice in under three weeks, leading to previous student uprisings. The initial GR, issued on August 5, barred hostel residents from protesting and introduced a 26-year age cap on admissions.

Students argued the age limit would deny hostel accommodation to many pursuing higher education later in life and alleged inadequate allowances and pregnancy tests for returning female students. Rahul Gandhi expressed shock at the pregnancy test allegations. The government later withdrew the protest restrictions and increased the age limit to 30.

However, students still demand the removal of the age restriction, revised allowances, insurance coverage, and modernized hostels, similar to the Eklavya Model Residential Schools. Earlier protests with the minister also failed to resolve the situation.