BARTI, SARTHI scholars participate in hunger strike

PhD scholars from Babasaheb Ambedkar Research and Training Institute (BARTI), Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Research, Training and Human Development Institute (SARTHI) and Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Research and Training Institute (MAHAJYOTI) launched a hunger strike at Goodluck Chowk alleging government negligence over pending fellowship advertisements since 2022 and 2023. Students said the delay has left many in financial and mental distress.

- 

Prakash Vanchit Bahujan Agadi (VBA) chief Ambedkar met the protesters on Wednesday and urged them to shift their agitation to Mantralaya in Mumbai to mount pressure on the state government. Addressing the media, he criticised the government's policies, saying it is prioritising skill development over research, which he called "shocking".

"Skill development programmes are a fraud if they cannot guarantee jobs because companies are shutting down.

If the government really intends to resolve the issue, discussions should happen at Mantralaya, not Pune," he said.

He also demanded monthly fellowships that be ensured for research students.