Pune: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has extended support to tribal students protesting in Pune over issues to hostel facilities, education and safety. During his 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' program in Pune, Gandhi said he would join their hunger strike if invited.
A tribal student raised concerns before Gandhi, informing him that students from the community had been observing an indefinite hunger strike at Manjari in Pune for the past several days. The protesters are demanding improvements in tribal hostels, better education facilities and action on pending issues affecting tribal students.
“Call me there, I will come and sit with you,” Gandhi told the students while assuring them of his support.
Tribal Students Raise Hostel and Education Concerns
During the interaction, students highlighted several problems faced by tribal communities, including poor hostel conditions, distance of hostels from educational institutions and difficulties accessing basic facilities.
The protesting students have demanded an extension of the age limit for staying in government tribal hostels, improvement in schools and hostel infrastructure, and implementation of pending recruitment for tribal posts.
They have also sought compensation for the families of three girls who allegedly died due to snake bites in Gadchiroli.
Student Raises Safety- Concerns
A woman student also raised concerns about rules followed in some tribal hostels. She alleged that female students were asked to submit fitness certificates after staying away from hostels for a long period and claimed that pregnancy tests were conducted as part of the process.
She questioned the need for such practices and urged authorities to intervene.
Rahul Gandhi Interacts With Female Students in Pune
The 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event focused on issues to women's education, safety, equality, competitive examinations and career opportunities. The program was organized as part of Rahul Gandhi's outreach among students.
Students discussed concerns including harassment, cyber safety, financial challenges and difficulties faced in accessing education.
Gandhi said that violence and social barriers often prevent women from progressing and emphasized the need for greater independence and equal opportunities.
Political Reactions Over Pune Event
The Pune program also triggered political reactions. BJP leaders criticized Gandhi's student outreach initiative, calling it a political exercise, while Congress leaders defended the event as a platform for students to raise their concerns.
The event was organized amid heightened political activity around student issues, with education, employment and safety emerging as key topics of discussion.
The tribal students' protest and Rahul Gandhi's assurance have now brought renewed attention to concerns surrounding government hostel facilities and educational opportunities for tribal communities.
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