Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Former MLA Deepika Chavan Opposes Cut in Tribal Hostel Food
The government reduced the amount of food given to students living in tribal hostels.
The amount was changed from 250 grams to 200 grams.
Former MLA Deepika Chavan said this could hurt students’ health and nutrition.
She believes the government should provide better and healthier meals instead.
She asked senior Maharashtra leaders to cancel the reduction.
She also asked tribal lawmakers to speak up for the students.
Tribal areas already face problems with roads, healthcare, education and buildings.
Chavan said she may organize a peaceful protest if the decision is not changed.
She wants students to have nutritious food, safe hostels, good education and healthcare.
Former Baglan MLA Deepika Chavan opposed reducing tribal hostel students’ food quota from 250 grams to 200 grams.
Chavan called the decision anti-tribal and demanded its immediate withdrawal.
She warned of an agitation involving tribal students, parents and community members if the decision is not reversed.
Chavan said the government should improve meal quality and nutrition rather than reduce food quantities.
She urged Maharashtra’s 25 tribal MLAs to pressure the government and demanded better education, housing and healthcare for tribal students.
- Who
- Former Baglan MLA and former Maharashtra State Commission for Women member Deepika Chavan, along with Maharashtra government officials responsible for tribal development.
- What
- Chavan opposed reducing the prescribed food quantity for students in Tribal Development Department hostels from 250 grams to 200 grams.
- Where
- Nashik, Maharashtra, with the memorandum addressed to senior Maharashtra government officials.
- Why
- Chavan said the reduction could harm the health and nutrition of tribal and economically weaker students and was unjustified amid broader infrastructure and welfare challenges in tribal areas.
- Food quota before reduction
- 250 grams
- Food quota after reduction
- 200 grams
- Government department
- Tribal Development Department
- Opposition leader
- Deepika Chavan, former Baglan MLA
- Memorandum recipients
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Sunetra Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, and Tribal Development Minister Dr Ashok Uike
- Proposed response
- A democratic agitation involving tribal students, parents and community members if the decision is not withdrawn
- Other demands
- Quality education, safe accommodation, nutritious food and adequate healthcare for tribal hostel and ashram school students