Maharashtra Increases Hostel Allowances for Tribal Students to ₹80,000
In response to protests, the Maharashtra government has raised hostel allowances for tribal students, enhancing support for their education.
Hostel allowances for tribal students in Maharashtra increased to ₹80,000.
The decision follows protests demanding better facilities and inquiries into student deaths.
Additional support measures include increased honorariums for hostel staff.
In a significant move following recent protests, the Maharashtra government has approved an increase in hostel allowances for tribal students under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Swayam Scheme. The decision was made during a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, just a day after police detained tribal students who marched from Nashik to Mumbai advocating for improved hostel facilities and an investigation into the deaths at ashram schools.
The revised allowances now set the total for students in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur at ₹80,000 annually, a rise from the previous ₹60,000. This includes a food allowance of ₹42,000 (up from ₹32,000), accommodation allowance of ₹28,000 (previously ₹20,000), and a subsistence allowance of ₹10,000 (increased from ₹8,000). Additionally, the state cabinet has also increased annual grants under the Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Swadhar Yojana, aimed at supporting Scheduled Caste students pursuing higher education.
The increase in allowances comes as the number of Scheduled Tribe students enrolling in various courses has surged, leading to insufficient capacity in government hostels. The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Swayam Scheme, initiated in the 2016-17 academic year, provides direct financial support to eligible students who could not secure admission to government hostels. This support is delivered via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to ensure timely access to funds.
The implications of this decision extend beyond financial support. The government has also announced an increase in honorariums for staff working in aided hostels for Scheduled Caste students, which includes superintendents, cooks, and helpers across 2,388 hostels. This move aims to enhance the quality of service in these facilities, which are crucial for the welfare of students.
Looking ahead, the government is expected to address the broader concerns raised by the tribal students, including demands for improved facilities and investigations into the troubling incidents at ashram schools. The protests, which have highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by tribal students, are likely to continue influencing policy decisions in the coming months as the state seeks to resolve these pressing issues.
