Pune tribal students to meet Maharashtra Minister in Mumbai today; hunger strike continues for 11th day
Tribal students in Pune are continuing an 11-day hunger strike to demand better hostel conditions, financial support linked to inflation, and increased safety measures. A delegation is traveling to Mumbai to meet with the Adivasi Tribal Minister and the Chief Minister.
Why it matters
The protest highlights ongoing systemic issues regarding the welfare, safety, and financial support for marginalized student communities in India.
The tribal students’ protest at the tribal boys’ hostel in Pune continued for the 11th day on Monday (August 24, 2026), as ten students are slated to reach Mumbai to meet Adivasi Tribal Minister Prof. Dr. Ashok Ramaji Uike at Mantralaya, according to Balakrishna Gawari, a student member of the Students Federation of India. They also want to meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to share their demands.
The six students participating in the hunger strike — Shweta Girnak, 26; Nikita Mechkar, 22; Sharad Thokal, 26; Vijay Bhandble, 25; Rahul Dhanwe, 26; and Rajaram Padvi, 20 — are continuing their fast at the Adivasi Government Boys Hostel near the Hadapsar-Manjari border.
The student body had previously met with Mr. Uike on August 18 and had another meeting with the Additional Commissioner of Tribal Development and other officers on August 22.
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