India
Tribal students plan 180-km Nashik Mumbai march
The Hindu··27 Sept
Hundreds of tribal students in Maharashtra will start a nearly 180-km march from Nashik to Mumbai on September 28. The Sakal Adivasi Vidyarthi Andolan Kruti Samiti is pressing for better facilities in residential schools. Demands include Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike's resignation and an inquiry into student deaths. Leader Rahul Pawra said about 1,500 students may join on day one.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Protesters want basic facilities in tribal schools and hostels and a meeting with the chief minister.
- They also seek NCPCR guideline implementation for ashram schools in Maharashtra.
- Jyoti Gavit said families are asked to pay up to Rs 1 lakh despite free-education claims.
What's Happening
- The march follows a 40-day sit-in at Nashik's Idgah Maidan.
- Pawra said groups from Nashik, Khandesh, North Maharashtra, Marathwada and Vidarbha are coordinating.
- Protesters oppose central kitchens that cook breakfast at midnight for schools nearly 100 km away.
What the sit-in has sought
- The government said central kitchens serve schools within a 50-km radius and appointed a review committee.
- That committee is expected to report in three months, the government told students last month.
- The memorandum also seeks action against institutions charging unauthorised donations or fees.
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