Month-long protest in Nashik, then a desperate march towards Mumbai: Why Maharashtra students are protesting

On Monday night, Nashik Police allegedly detained around 30 tribal students who had begun a month-long protest march from Nashik towards Mumbai. The demonstrators are demanding improved school and hostel facilities, as well as the resignation of Maharashtra's Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike, among other requests. Sagar Pawara, a member of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) and a tribal student leader, explained that at least 30 participants were apprehended by the Nashik Police, and while some lagged behind, the protesters intended to continue their journey to Mumbai.

Pawara stated that if all their demands were met, they would turn back, but he emphasized that they were not inclined to negotiate.

The protesters submitted a 26-point demand charter to the government, outlining their grievances. These include an independent investigation into deaths at tribal ashram schools, better basic facilities in hostels and schools, financial aid for families of three students who died from snakebites in Gadchiroli, the creation of a separate Tribal Commission, and increased student representation in policy-making decisions.

Additional demands involve financial compensation of ₹1 crore each for families of three girls who perished from snakebites at an ashram school in Japtalai, Gadchiroli, and ₹50 lakh each for those who were injured. They are also seeking a probe into alleged irregularities in grant distribution and accountability for officials found culpable.