Maharashtra Scraps Age Limit for Tribal Hostel Admissions After Protests
The Maharashtra government on Tuesday announced the scrapping of the age limit for admission to tribal hostels, following sustained protests by tribal students in Manjari, Pune, and a letter from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Tribal Affairs Minister Ashok Uike confirmed that the state has revoked the 30-year age restriction originally introduced in a government resolution on August 14. He stated that following discussions and instructions from tribal MLAs and MPs, the government decided to completely cancel the condition, ensuring there is no age bar for admission.
Despite the policy reversal, tribal students in Manjari continued their hunger strike for the 13th consecutive day on Tuesday, asserting that they will not call off the agitation until all their primary grievances are addressed. Student protester Nisha Sable said that the demonstrations will persist until the government fills 12,500 vacancies and provides Rs 1 crore compensation to the families of tribal girls who died from snakebites at an Ashram School in Gadchiroli.
The development triggered a political clash between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and Opposition leaders. Congress leader Vijay Waddettiwar stated that the Opposition would seek Mr. Uike's resignation if the state fails to address the other issues raised in Mr. Gandhi's letter. NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar also visited the protesting students in Manjari on Tuesday to extend his party's support, demanding serious action on the students' demands.
In his letter to the Chief Minister, Mr. Gandhi highlighted the memorandum submitted by the agitating students, raising concerns over hostel safety, sanitation, medical facilities, and administrative regulations.
Responding to the criticisms, Mr. Uike stated that the state government is fully capable of providing necessary facilities to tribal students. He refuted allegations regarding improper medical procedures, clarifying that only standard health fitness certificates are sought when students return from extended leave.
