Maharashtra tribal students plan 180-kilometre march over school conditions

Hundreds of tribal students in Maharashtra are scheduled to begin a march of nearly 180 kilometres from Nashik to Mumbai on September 28, demanding improvements in government-run residential schools and hostels. The march is being organised by the Sakal Adivasi Vidyarthi Andolan Kruti Samiti, following a sit-in at Nashik’s Idgah Maidan that had continued for 40 days by September 27. Protesters are seeking better facilities, greater safety and accountability within the state’s residential education system.

Their demands include the resignation of Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike, the transfer of the department’s secretary and commissioner, and an independent inquiry into deaths of tribal students at residential schools. They have also asked for financial assistance for victims and implementation of child-protection guidelines for Ashram schools and other residential institutions. The students want a direct meeting with Maharashtra’s Chief Minister.

A memorandum submitted to the government also calls for legal action against institutions that charge donations, additional fees or other unauthorised amounts. Protest leader Rahul Pawra told The Hindu that about 1,500 students could join the march on its first day. Protesters have particularly criticised food supplied through central kitchens.

They allege that meals are prepared hours before they are served and transported over long distances, raising concerns about freshness and quality. The government has said the kitchens deliver food within a 50-kilometre radius and has appointed a committee to examine the issue. The committee is expected to submit its report within three months.

Protesters have questioned the need for the inquiry and called instead for the central-kitchen system to be ended. They also raised concerns about labelling, expiry information and the quality of rice and other supplies. The Tribal Development Department met student leaders on September 25 and issued a seven-page response to their 27 demands.

It said work orders and tenders had been issued for measures including hot water in bathrooms, while other demands concerned policy decisions requiring consideration at a higher level. The students’ planned march follows several rounds of talks and written assurances from the government, but the protest leaders say key concerns remain unresolved.