On Monday evening, Nashik police reportedly apprehended around 30 individuals as a group of tribal students began their march towards Mumbai following a month-long protest in Nashik. The students are advocating for fundamental amenities in educational institutions and hostels, as well as demanding 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 leader among the tribal students, stated, “As we commenced our protest march from Nashik, the police detained at least 30 participants. This is a long journey that will require several days to reach Mumbai.”
Regarding a planned meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Pawara noted, “We will return if our demands are fulfilled. However, this appears unlikely, and we are firm in our stance not to enter negotiations.”
The tribal students have previously submitted a 26-point list of demands to the government, seeking redress for various challenges encountered in schools and hostels designated for tribal students.
Among their requests, the students have called for an independent investigation into fatalities at tribal ashram schools, improved basic facilities in both hostels and schools, and financial support for the families of three students who tragically died from snakebites in Gadchiroli. They are also seeking the establishment of a separate Tribal Commission and increased representation of students in policy-making processes.
Additional demands include compensation of Rs 1 crore for each family of the three girls who died from snakebites at an ashram school in Japtalai, Gadchiroli, along with Rs 50 lakh for the injured. They are also requesting an inquiry into alleged discrepancies in the distribution of grants and accountability for responsible officials.
Pallavi Smart serves as a Principal Correspondent with The Indian Express in the Mumbai Bureau, concentrating her reporting on the education sector. Her expertise encompasses a wide range of topics from foundational education to advanced studies, making her a reliable source for information on policies, institutional changes, and systemic challenges affecting students, educators, and families in Maharashtra.
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