The education sector has seen growing protests over the past few months, more than ever, with the recent demonstrations recorded on Monday when several groups took to the streets in Mumbai and Pune over different issues related to students, government policies, and educational facilities.
Tribal Students Demand Action
Hundreds of tribal students travelled overnight from Nashik to Mumbai to join demonstrations organised by the NCP (SP) and National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). “The students are asking for the resignation of the Tribal Development Minister, a change in hostel facilities, and an inquiry into student death at tribal schools, among other things,” said Pradyumn Yadav, NSUI’s Mumbai unit head.
Save Schools Stir
Two separate protests were staged at Azad Maidan. The Save Schools group demanded withdrawal of the government’s decision to shut schools with low enrolment, calling instead for separate schools in every village and hamlet, subject‑specific teachers, and allocation of 10 per cent of national income to education. “The education sector at large is seeing discontentment because the government remains negligent about the issues pertaining to this sector,” said Sampat Desai, head coordinator of the Save Schools, Save Education movement.
Another group at Azad Maidan targeted the CET Cell, demanding a Centralised Admission Process (CAP) to safeguard 2026 admissions.
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IIT Bombay Hunger Strike
At IIT Bombay, students continued their hunger strike over institutional policies following the death of 20‑year‑old Sahil Wakode. Protesters have demanded the resignation of the institute director and permission for Wakode’s parents to enter the campus.
MPSC Protest in Pune
In Pune, demonstrators demanded the resignation of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) chairman and an inquiry into alleged exam irregularities.
Growing Student Anger
Political analyst Abhay Deshpande noted a shift in sentiment: “For the first time since 2014, there is a sentiment against the ruling party on the ground itself… This is the generation that was barely 5–10 years old during the Congress’s rule. This is why they will only hold the current government accountable.”