Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Tribal Students’ Pune Hostel Protest Enters Twelfth Day
Tribal students in Pune have been protesting about problems with government hostels.
Their protest has continued for 12 days.
Six students went on a fast, and one became sick enough to go to a hospital.
Other students kept sitting in protest at their hostel.
They want the government to change its rules for tribal hostels.
They also want safer buildings, better school and healthcare facilities, and more protection for students.
Some opposition politicians visited or contacted the protesters and supported them.
The article does not report a response from the Maharashtra government.
Tribal students continued their sit-in at the Adivasi Government Boys’ Hostel in Pune’s Manjari area.
One of six students fasting was hospitalised after his health deteriorated on Tuesday.
The students are seeking changes to the government’s hostel order, better facilities, healthcare and improved safety.
Their demands include a safe central hostel for female students, filled vacancies, security guards and sanitation workers.
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Rohit Pawar and Supriya Sule, urged the Maharashtra government to act.
- Who
- Tribal students, supported by opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Rohit Pawar, Sujat Ambedkar and Supriya Sule.
- What
- A continuing sit-in and hunger strike over tribal hostel rules, facilities, healthcare and student safety.
- When
- The protest had continued for 12 days as of Tuesday, August 25; a rally was held on Sunday and another protest was reported on August 23.
- Where
- The Adivasi Government Boys’ Hostel in Manjari, Pune, Maharashtra, with a protest also reported near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Garden.
- Why
- Students are demanding a revised government hostel order, safer and better-equipped facilities, filled staff vacancies, security guards and sanitation workers.
Students and Supporters
Maharashtra Government
Hostel rules
Students and Supporters
Students are demanding withdrawal of the government resolution on tribal hostels and issuance of a revised order; Rahul Gandhi also called for relaxing conditions including the 30-year age limit.
Maharashtra Government
The article does not provide a response or stated position from the Maharashtra government.
Government action
Students and Supporters
Opposition leaders accused the government of ignoring the agitation and urged officials to meet the students and resolve their problems.
Maharashtra Government
The article reports that NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule said a discussion would be held with the government, but it does not describe any government action.
Hostel facilities and safety
Students and Supporters
Students want a safe central hostel for female students, better facilities, filled vacancies, security guards and sanitation workers.
Maharashtra Government
The article does not report the government’s position on these demands.
- Protest duration
- 12 days as of Tuesday
- Fasting protesters
- Six students were on a fast
- Hospitalisation
- One fasting protester was hospitalised after his health deteriorated
- Main government measure challenged
- The Maharashtra government’s GR on tribal hostels
- Age-limit concern
- Students and supporters have sought relaxation of the 30-year hostel-stay age limit
- Female students’ demand
- A safe, well-equipped central hostel building in Pune
- Staffing and security demands
- Immediate filling of vacant hostel posts, plus security guards and sanitation workers