Maharashtra accepts tribal students' demands, urges end to hunger strike
Maharashtra government accepts all demands of tribal students on hunger strike over recruitment and hostel conditions.
The Maharashtra government has accepted all demands put forward by tribal students who have been on hunger strike in Pune, Nagpur, and Nashik. Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike made the announcement on Saturday, following discussions between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and student delegations.
The protests were sparked by the deaths of three tribal girls from snakebites at a residential school in Gadchiroli district. The students' demands centered on recruitment of Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates in government service and improvements to residential schools for tribal children.
Minister Uike stated that the Chief Minister has assured the students of a review meeting after three months to assess the implementation of the decisions. He appealed to the protesters to withdraw their agitation and return to their studies.
A key demand was the placement of ST candidates in the second position in the point roster as per the relevant government resolution. A committee has been constituted to examine this, with recommendations expected within three months.
On recruitment, the government has addressed vacancies under the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) and non-PESA areas. Of the 17 cadres under PESA, recruitment for nine is complete, and directions have been issued to start the process for the remaining cadres. The government will also determine the number of supernumerary posts for ST candidates within three months, following a Supreme Court judgment, and complete the process within six months.
Student representatives said the primary demand was a concrete timetable for filling 12,500 posts. The Chief Minister assured them that vacant posts would be identified within three months. They also raised the issue of candidates who secured jobs without caste validity certificates. The Chief Minister assured them that action against such candidates, including relieving them from service, would begin from Sunday.
The government has also cancelled the direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme as demanded. On the central kitchen system, a committee's report is expected within a month, after which a final decision will be taken.
Student leaders expressed satisfaction with the time-bound programme. They acknowledged the support of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar, state Congress leader Yashomati Thakur, and the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) for bringing media attention to their cause.
Earlier on Saturday, the Bombay High Court directed the government to ensure the well-being of the students on hunger strike, stating it did not want any more young lives to be lost.