Students and activists have raised concerns over the lack of basic amenities — such as clean drinking water, healthcare facilities, and proper infrastructure — in government hostels and residential schools. This comes as the Maharashtra government has allocated over Rs23 crore for the installation of solar high mast lights and water heaters in these institutions under the Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance.
Activists have questioned the priority of the government in spending on solar equipment while students struggle with fundamental needs. “When basic facilities like clean drinking water are not available for students at the hostels, one questions the need for allocating over Rs23 crore for solar water heaters and solar panels. There are no proper medical facilities at hostels that are even in prime locations. At least two students died of dengue fever in the last four months at a Pune hostel which is located in a prime place. But the government is not thinking of enhancing health facilities and providing for basic needs of the students,” said Kuldeep Ambekar, an activist associated with the organisation Student Helping Hand.
Ambekar further pointed out that several initiatives for students have been stalled due to funding issues. “There are so many projects and initiatives that are not being implemented, citing lack of funds by the department. In 2019, the then government had directed the opening of ‘social equality centres’ in hostels and residential schools. It was a good initiative as it would help students with material for competitive exams. The government had also assigned people to fill out forms for competitive exams at zero cost. That would have benefitted the students from marginalised sections. But the Government Resolution issued in 2019 is yet to be implemented,” he added.
Students residing in these hostels also expressed dissatisfaction over the current state of facilities. “There are days when we do not get enough drinking water, and there are no proper medical services when we fall ill. The condition of the hostels is worsening, and no one seems to be addressing our concerns,” said a student from a government hostel in Mumbai. Another student added, “We have been facing problems with sanitation and hygiene for a long time. There are barely any functioning washrooms, and maintenance is poor.”
Several students have called for better allocation of funds to improve their living conditions before investing in solar infrastructure. “The hostel buildings are in a dilapidated condition. What is the point of having solar panels when our living conditions remain poor? The government should focus on repairing the hostels and improving the quality of food and medical care first,” said another student. “The food quality also needs to be enhanced as it is very poor at many hostels in the state. In places such as Marathwada and Vidarbha, the condition of hostels are critical,” he added.
Students urged the government to reassess its priorities and ensure that students’ essential needs are met before investing in other projects. “Solar energy is a good initiative, but it should not come at the cost of students lacking healthcare, food, or proper shelter. The government needs to rethink its budgetary allocations to truly support these students,” said another student.
