States » WestPosted at: Sep 17 2026 5:12PM


Maha: Tribal students allege sexual exploitation in Ashram Schools, demand judicial inquiry

Nagpur, Sep 17 (UNI) Allegations of sexual exploitation of tribal girls in several Ashram schools and hostels surfaced during an interaction programme organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) here, with tribal students demanding a judicial inquiry into the matter and alleging that innocent tribal youths were being falsely implicated to shield the actual accused.
The allegations were raised during a dialogue programme with tribal students held at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Convention Centre on Wednesday in Nagpur, where CJP founder Abhijit Deepke interacted with students from various districts of Vidarbha and Marathwada.
Several girl students alleged incidents of sexual exploitation in tribal residential schools and sought a comprehensive investigation into the issue.
Students also highlighted the poor condition of tribal hostels and the lack of basic amenities.
A student from Bhandara alleged that a government tribal hostel in the district was operating from a private building and lacked adequate facilities. She claimed that although the hostel had a sanctioned capacity of 75 students, nearly 15 girls were being accommodated in a single room due to space constraints.
The issue of pregnancy tests allegedly being conducted on girl students in Ashram schools was also raised during the programme.
Students participating in the ongoing agitation over tribal welfare issues further alleged that they were denied access to washrooms at the Tribal Development Bhavan on the first day of their protest despite heavy rainfall.
Participants also raised concerns regarding Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments, scholarships and hostel facilities and appealed for support to their ongoing agitation.
The students demanded that the Tribal Development Department cancel the contract awarded to the Laxman Mankar Trust for the management of 490 tribal hostels, alleging that the arrangement could adversely affect tribal culture and identity.
Expressing support for the agitation, Deepke backed the students' demands and staged a symbolic protest by tearing a copy of the contract agreement.
He urged the government to address the concerns raised by tribal students and reconsider the decision in the interest of tribal communities.
Deepke also appealed to students to create greater public awareness about issues affecting tribal communities through social media and other communication platforms.
He said tribal concerns should reach wider sections of society to ensure that the government takes cognisance of them.
He further encouraged tribal students to pursue higher education, move beyond village boundaries and assume leadership roles in various sectors, noting that traditional forest-based livelihood opportunities were gradually diminishing.
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