Rahul Gandhi writes to Fadnavis over tribal students' hunger strike

Rahul Gandhi wrote to Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, seeking his intervention to resolve the 10-day hunger strike by tribal students in Pune. He highlighted the 'humiliating rules' and poor conditions faced by students in state-run hostels.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, on Monday, wrote a formal letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, demanding immediate intervention to resolve the ongoing 10-day hunger strike by tribal students in Pune.

Sharing his letter and the students' memorandum on X, Gandhi highlighted the harsh conditions and "humiliating rules" faced by tribal students living in state-run hostels. In his letter, dated August 24, 2026, Rahul Gandhi detailed the grievances raised by female students during the recent 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event in Pune https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/2091910369245810971 "Chief Minister @Dev_Fadnavis Ji, Numerous tribal students from Maharashtra have been on a hunger strike for more than 10 days to demand their rights. During the 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event in Pune, female students shared that hostels enforce an unnecessary age limit of 30 years, humiliating rules, unsafe facilities, and inhuman provisions such as pregnancy checks for women", he posted on X.

Gandhi Highlights 'Humiliating Rules' in Hostels

A newly introduced rule enforces a strict 30-year age limit, barring older Adivasi students from hostel accommodation while they complete higher studies or prepare for competitive examinations. Returning female students are subjected to compulsory pregnancy tests and other medical examinations to prove their "fitness" after an extended absence. Gandhi condemned the provision as an "attack on their dignity and their humanity" that presumes female students guilty.

State hostels lack standard amenities, including proper food, sanitation, and medical emergency infrastructure. Students have reportedly suffered injuries and even fatalities due to hazards like snake bites on hostel premises. "These students, coming from remote villages and towns, are not asking for charity--they are demanding their rightful entitlements. It is expected that you will meet them personally and immediately resolve their issues," he added.

Key Demands in Student Memorandum

The memorandum submitted by the protesting students highlights several crucial statutory and operational changes. They are demanding the immediate withdrawal of Government Resolutions (GRs) issued on August 05, 2026, and August 14; revision of the November 11, 2011 GR to adjust hostel allowances and financial provisions in line with the current inflation index; complete removal of the age limit for admission to Government Tribal Hostels, or increasing the existing cap from 30 years to 36 years; and mandatory representation of student voices during policy formulation affecting Adivasi welfare.

Gandhi called on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to meet the student representatives in person without delay and resolve their demands systematically.

Tribal Students' Indefinite Hunger Strike

Earlier, on August 18, Tribal students launched an indefinite hunger strike at the Tribal Hostel in the Manjari area of Pune, demanding action on various long-pending issues concerning tribal students. A large number of students have also joined a sit-in protest in support of the hunger strike. The health of some students participating in the hunger strike has reportedly deteriorated.

Protesters Demand Compensation, Jobs, and Policy Changes

The agitation began on August 13 to draw the government's attention to the educational, social and other concerns of tribal students. The protesters have demanded the immediate withdrawal of the government resolution issued on August 5, which they claim is unjust and adversely affects students residing in tribal hostels.

One of the major demands is that the families of the three girls who died of snakebites at a tribal residential school in Gadchiroli be provided compensation of Rs 1 crore each. The protesters have also demanded that criminal cases for culpable homicide be registered against the concerned administrative and political officials allegedly responsible for the incident.

The protesters have further demanded that every student residing in tribal hostels and studying in tribal residential schools be provided with an insurance cover of Rs 10 crore. Other major demands include the immediate implementation of the pending recruitment process for 12,500 tribal posts and other tribal recruitment vacancies across the state. They have also demanded the reinstatement and permanent appointment of PESA employees who were relieved from service.

The protesters have called for strict implementation of the PESA Act in recruitment advertisements and have demanded the immediate cancellation of both government resolutions concerning caste validity certificates based on blood relations and the Banjara Study Committee. (ANI)

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