Overview

• The indefinite protest entered its third day at Goodluck Chowk in Pune, with participants from multiple state universities demanding immediate release of stipends and fresh advertisements.
• Students say no PhD fellowship advertisements have been issued by BARTI since 2022 and by SARTHI and MahaJyoti since 2023, disrupting research and causing financial strain.
• BARTI Director General Sunil Ware told The Indian Express the matter is at the government level and that the process would begin once a decision is made, likely within a month.
• VBA chief Prakash Ambedkar visited the site to express support, criticized the government’s priorities, and urged students to shift their agitation to Mumbai’s Mantralaya to press demands.
• Organizers reported earlier marches from Savitribai Phule Pune University to the protest site, while students alleged diversion of sanctioned funds and selective awards, claims not confirmed by officials.