No Tribal Student’s Education Will Be Disrupted Due to Lack of Hostel Accommodation: Dr Ashok Uike

Major Decision in the Interest of Tribal Students Seeking Hostel Admission

Mumbai, August 21: The state government will stand firmly with tribal students to ensure that no student is forced to discontinue education due to the lack of hostel accommodation, Tribal Development Minister Dr Ashok Uike said on Thursday. He assured that the educational interests of students from remote and rural areas remain a top priority for the government.

The assurance came after the Minister held detailed and positive discussions over two days with students who had been protesting over hostel admissions. Following the discussions, the government has worked out a significant solution aimed at protecting the academic interests of affected students.

The Tribal Development Department operates 490 government hostels across Maharashtra, accommodating approximately 58,000 to 60,000 students every year. The department has maintained that the recently issued Government Resolution (GR) dated August 14 would be implemented in a manner that does not cause any academic loss to students.

The government has also agreed to positively consider the demand to set the upper age limit for hostel admission at 30 years. Students who have completed 30 years of age and are consequently unable to secure admission to government hostels under the new rules will be provided direct financial assistance on the lines of the ‘Swayam’ scheme.

The proposed financial assistance will cover students above the age of 30 pursuing PhD, MPhil, polytechnic, engineering, medical and other professional courses. The move is intended to ensure that students are not compelled to discontinue their studies merely because they are unable to obtain hostel accommodation.

Appealing to the protesting students to withdraw their agitation, Dr Uike said the government was sensitive to their concerns and was committed to finding a fair and practical solution.

“The education of poor tribal students from rural and remote areas must not be disrupted. The government is committed to taking students into confidence and finding a positive and just solution keeping their educational future in mind.”

— Dr Ashok Uike, Tribal Development Minister