Maharashtra Scraps 30-Year Age Cap For Tribal Hostels After Students' Agitation

The Maharashtra government has withdrawn the 30-year age limit for admission to tribal hostels following a 13-day agitation by students in Pune. Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike announced that the government, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ approval, had decided to completely cancel the government resolution issued on August 14 and the consolidated revised rules introduced alongside it. The decision removes the age restriction that had become a major point of contention among protesting tribal students.

The announcement came as the agitation at Manjari in Pune entered its 13th day. Students had been protesting over several issues related to hostel admissions, facilities and administration, with tensions increasing after the health of one of the protesters deteriorated. The government’s decision to withdraw the disputed rules is expected to address one of the key demands raised during the agitation, although the students have been seeking action on a wider range of concerns.

Uike announced the decision after a meeting at his residence to review the facilities provided at government tribal hostels, the admission process and the overall functioning of the hostel system. The meeting was attended by Tribal Development Minister Narhari Zirwal, tribal MPs and MLAs, senior department officials and representatives of the Tribal Research and Training Institute. Uike said the decision to withdraw the August 14 resolution was taken in the interest of students and after considering suggestions and objections from elected representatives.

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The minister also directed officials to prepare improved procedures covering hostel admissions, facilities, administration, supervision and inspections. He said the government wanted to ensure that tribal students received quality amenities and that hostel administration functioned in a coordinated manner. Officials were also instructed to take steps to prevent students from facing inconvenience and to create an environment that supports their education. The government said difficulties in hostel administration should be addressed and facilities made more effective.

The issue had also triggered a political exchange between Uike and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Uike criticised Gandhi over his recent comments on the condition of tribal students and accused him of raising questions about the State government without having complete information about the situation. He also defended the earlier 30-year age restriction and other hostel-related measures, while rejecting allegations that students returning after extended leave were subjected to pregnancy testing. He said the fitness certificate requirement was intended to address health concerns.

The Maharashtra Congress, meanwhile, welcomed the withdrawal of the age limit but criticised Uike’s handling of the wider agitation and accused him of focusing on political attacks instead of addressing the students’ concerns. The party said several tribal leaders had met protesting students and raised their demands with the minister, while Gandhi had also highlighted the issue of a tribal hostel student during his Pune programme. Congress said the government’s decision fulfilled only one demand and insisted that action should be taken on all the concerns raised by the protesting students.

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