Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Maharashtra Withdraws Tribal Hostel Rules, Removes Age Restriction
Maharashtra has removed the age limit for tribal students seeking places in government hostels.
The old rule said students could not be admitted after turning 30.
The government withdrew the order that introduced this restriction.
Rahul Gandhi had asked the chief minister to address the age barrier.
Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike also said the change followed objections and suggestions from elected representatives.
The government said students’ education and welfare should come first.
Maharashtra operates 490 government tribal hostels.
These hostels serve about 58,000 to 60,000 students each year.
Maharashtra withdrew its August 14 Government Resolution governing government-run tribal hostels.
The decision removes the 30-year age restriction for tribal student hostel admissions.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis approved the change after objections and suggestions from elected representatives.
Rahul Gandhi had raised the age-barrier issue with Fadnavis one day before the announcement.
Officials will develop improved systems for admissions, facilities, administration, supervision and inspections.
- Who
- The Maharashtra Government, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike, Rahul Gandhi and tribal students.
- What
- The government withdrew the August 14 Government Resolution and removed the age restriction for admissions to government tribal hostels.
- When
- The decision was announced on Tuesday, August 25, 2026; Rahul Gandhi raised the issue one day earlier.
- Where
- Maharashtra, with meetings and announcements held in Mumbai, including at Minister Ashok Uike’s official residence.
- Why
- The government cited objections and suggestions from elected representatives and said students’ educational needs and welfare should be prioritised.
- Policy change
- The 30-year age restriction for admissions to government tribal hostels was removed.
- Withdrawn order
- The Government Resolution issued on August 14, 2026, and its consolidated revised guidelines were withdrawn.
- Hostels
- The State Tribal Development Department operates 490 government hostels across Maharashtra.
- Annual residents
- Approximately 58,000 to 60,000 students live in the hostels each year while pursuing education.
- Approval
- The decision was taken with the approval of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
- Earlier intervention
- Rahul Gandhi raised the hostel age-barrier issue with Fadnavis one day before the decision.
- Next steps
- Officials were directed to improve admissions, facilities, administration, supervision and inspections.
