Tribal students meet minister, seek rollback of new hostel rules

The students, who have been on hunger strike for over 12 days, said the new provisions could adversely affect tribal students

A delegation of tribal students protesting in Pune against changes to government hostel rules met Maharashtra tribal development minister Ashok Uike in Mumbai on Monday and submitted a memorandum seeking withdrawal of the department’s August 5 government resolution (GR), restoration of the 2011 framework with necessary modifications, and improvements in hostel facilities and student welfare.

Their key demands include annual, inflation-linked revisions to maintenance allowances. (HT)

“The meeting with the minister lasted five hours. He asked us to withdraw the agitation if we want to meet the chief minister. However, we are firm on continuing the agitation,” said Somnath Nirmal.

The students, who have been on hunger strike for over 12 days, said the new provisions could adversely affect tribal students, particularly those from remote areas who depend on government hostels to pursue higher education and prepare for competitive examinations.

Their key demands include annual, inflation-linked revisions to maintenance allowances; removal of restrictions on students taking up part-time employment; and scrapping of the provision reserving 70% of hostel seats for students from the same district. They have also sought better infrastructure and safety measures, including enhanced insurance cover for students.

The students have demanded that the November 15, 2011 GR remain the base framework, with modifications to reflect current conditions and inflation. They have also sought regular career guidance, English-speaking, personality development and interview-preparation programmes in hostels.

The protest has also drawn the intervention of Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who wrote to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday seeking his personal intervention and an immediate resolution of the students’ demands.

Gandhi met tribal students during his visit to Pune for the “Chhatron Ki Goonj” programme. Student Nisha Sable had invited him to join their protest over hostel and education-related issues. Gandhi assured the students of his support and subsequently raised their concerns with Fadnavis.

In his letter, Gandhi highlighted the difficulties faced by tribal students from remote villages who depend on government hostels to pursue education in cities. He raised concerns over new age restrictions on hostel eligibility, as well as safety, food, sanitation and medical facilities at hostels.

He also referred to allegations of mandatory pregnancy tests and other medical examinations for female students returning to hostels after an extended absence, describing such practices as a violation of students’ dignity.

The protesting students have also sought ₹1 crore compensation for the families of three tribal girls who died of snake bites at an ashram school in Gadchiroli and demanded action against officials allegedly responsible for their deaths.

Other demands include recruitment to 12,500 vacant tribal posts and the reinstatement and permanent appointment of PESA employees who were removed from service.

The students said they were seeking their rights, not charity, and urged the government to resolve the issues through dialogue.