Overview
- The hunger strike at the government tribal hostel in Manjari/Hadapsar entered its second week on Monday, August 24, with six named students still fasting and some briefly treated at Sassoon Hospital for dehydration and breathing problems.
- Students have formally asked the state to withdraw and fully revise the August Government Resolution on tribal hostels, citing an upper age cap, restrictive rules and alleged humiliating practices for women.
- Their demands include linking hostel allowances to the Consumer Price Index, comprehensive insurance and ₹1 crore compensation sought for families of three students who died in Gadchiroli, regular pest control, female hostel facilities, and immediate filling of vacant peon, security and sanitation posts.
- The Maharashtra government has partially amended the GR by raising the age limit to 30 and removing clauses that barred protests and media access, but the students say those steps do not meet their broader welfare and binding legal demands.
- The protest has drawn political attention: students plan to meet Adivasi Tribal Minister Ashok Uike in Mumbai and have sought a meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, while Rahul Gandhi has formally asked the CM to intervene and flagged alleged mandatory pregnancy tests and unsafe hostel conditions.