Devendra Fadnavis Orders Fast-Track Recruitment for 12,500 Tribal Welfare Posts Within Six Months

Maharashtra CM directs departments to address safety, food quality, staffing and infrastructure concerns in tribal ashram schools and hostels

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken serious note of ongoing problems in tribal ashram schools and hostels across the state and directed officials to take time-bound action on student safety, food services, infrastructure and staff shortages.

The decision follows concerns raised after three female students at a grant-in-aided tribal ashram school hostel in Gadchiroli died following a snakebite incident. The issue has also brought attention to reports of food poisoning, inadequate facilities and the safety of students staying in hostels.

Recruitment Process for 12,500 Posts to Begin Within Six Months

One of the key decisions is to restart the stalled special recruitment drive for 12,500 posts linked to tribal welfare services.

The Chief Minister has directed the concerned departments to collect all required information within three months and prepare a clear, time-bound recruitment plan. The recruitment process is expected to begin within six months.

The move is aimed at addressing staff shortages and improving the administration and services available to students in tribal schools and hostels.

Government Reviews Safety and Food Concerns

During the meeting, serious concerns were raised about student safety in residential hostels. Officials were asked to examine incidents involving snakebites, food poisoning and other risks faced by students.

There were also concerns that some institutions may send students home after food poisoning incidents instead of taking full responsibility for their treatment and safety. Advocates representing the petitioners said that a permanent system is needed to prevent such situations in the future.

Food Services to Be Reviewed Within Three Months

The Chief Minister directed officials to immediately review the government resolution that canceled the food Direct Benefit Transfer system and take steps to restart food services in hostels within three months.

Officials have also been asked to study the advantages and disadvantages of providing meals to school students through central kitchens. The government will examine food quality and take steps to improve the system where necessary.

Comparison of Tribal and Social Justice Facilities

Another important instruction is to create a committee to compare the facilities available under the Social Justice Department with those provided by the Tribal Development Department.

The committee will review differences in facilities and submit its report within three months. The findings are expected to help the government identify gaps and improve services for tribal students.

Action Plan for Ashram Schools

The government has also been directed to prepare an action plan covering previous court directions and recommendations made by various committees concerning government-run and aided ashram schools.

Officials will have three months to prepare the plan, followed by another three months to submit an action-taken report.

The government will also update regulations defining the responsibilities of directors and management of aided ashram schools.

Remote Ashram Schools May Be Relocated

The government is considering relocating ashram schools located in highly remote areas to larger villages, taluka headquarters or cities.

The move is intended to improve access to basic infrastructure, healthcare, transportation and other essential services for students.

Bombay High Court Takes Serious Note of the Issue

The matter reached the Bombay High Court after concerns were raised about the conditions in tribal ashram schools and hostels.

Ashok Meshram from Kalyan, represented by advocates Ramesh Dubey Patil and Ira Dubey Patil, raised concerns over the lack of basic and infrastructure facilities and repeated incidents affecting students.

A bench headed by acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge took serious note of the concerns and converted the petition into a public interest litigation. The court then sought detailed information and action from the government.

Following the court proceedings, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a meeting with representatives of tribal students, MLA Sunil Bhusara and senior officials from different departments.

Advocate General Dr. Milind Sathe informed the court about the meeting and submitted its minutes.

Next Court Hearing on September 3

The government is expected to present its position on the remaining issues during the next hearing.

The Bombay High Court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on September 3, when the government's response and progress on the pending concerns are expected to be reviewed.