Nashik tribal students end hunger strike but continue sit-in protest

Tribal students in Nashik have ended their multi-day hunger strike following discussions with District Collector Ayush Prasad. While the fast has concluded, student representatives stated they will continue their sit-in protest until all administrative and policy demands are fully addressed by the state government.

The agitation, which began on August 13, initially focused on revised hostel admission policies but expanded to include broader structural issues. Key demands include improved hostel facilities and safety, tribal reservations, recruitment for 12,500 vacant tribal posts, and caste validity certificates. Students also requested ₹10 crore in insurance coverage for those in tribal residential schools and compensation for families of students who died from snake bites at an ashram school in Gadchiroli.

District Collector Prasad noted that the government is taking a positive stance and that the Tribal Development Department is working to resolve the grievances. He indicated that several key points have already received preliminary approval and that communication with senior ministers is ongoing to ensure students can return to their studies without further disruption.