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New Delhi: Hundreds of tribal students and activists will begin a 180-km foot march from Nashik to Mumbai today, September 28, to protest against Maharashtra tribal development minister Ashok Uike and demand better facilities, safety and accountability at government-run residential schools. The ‘Tribal Gen Z Ulgulan’ march, organised by the Sakal Adivasi Vidyarthi Andolan Kruti Samiti, was scheduled to depart from the Anant Kanhere Maidan (Golf Club Ground), Nashik, at 11 am.

The protesters, who have been holding a sit-in at Nashik’s Idgah Maidan for the last 40 days, are pressing the state government to take action on a range of issues concerning education and welfare. Alongside Uike’s resignation and transfer of the tribal development department’s secretary and commissioner, students are demanding improved essential facilities at tribal schools and hostels as well as an independent inquiry into the deaths of tribal students at residential schools.

Protesters have demanded financial assistance for victims and effective implementation of the National Commission for Protection of Chil Rights (NCPCR) guidelines governing ‘ashram’ schools and residential educational institutions in Maharashtra, according to the Hindu. Students have also sought a direct meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to address their........

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