Nashik, September 3: Thousands of tribal students across Maharashtra staged a protest in Nashik against the alleged corruption and mismanagement within the Tribal Development Department. The demonstration was sparked by the government’s neglect of ongoing issues, including the alarming number of student deaths in ashram schools and hostels.
The students marched to the District Collector’s office and the Tribal Development Building, demanding the resignation of Minister Ashok Uike and other reforms. They vowed to continue their protest until their demands are met, expressing frustration over the government’s silence on the matter.
In the past two years, approximately 584 students have reportedly died in state-run ashram schools due to various reasons. The students are holding Minister Uike morally responsible for these tragedies and have been protesting at the Hutatma Anant Kanhere ground in Nashik since August 18.
Three students on a hunger strike have been hospitalized due to deteriorating health conditions. Despite two previous marches to the Tribal Development Building, the government has yet to address their concerns, prompting the ‘Sakal Adivasi Vidyarthi Kriti Samiti’ to organize a large-scale ‘Ulgulan Morcha’ on Tuesday.
Prominent Congress leaders, including state president Harshvardhan Sapkal and others, met with the protesting students, pledging their support for the students’ demands.
The hunger strike has now surpassed ten days, with reports of several students experiencing health issues. Some have been treated at the district civil hospital, while others have been discharged after recovery.