Pune: Assistant professors from 78 permanently unaided senior colleges across Maharashtra have launched an indefinite hunger strike in protest of the long-delayed release of government funding.

These colleges, which existed before the state government adopted the permanently unaided policy in 2001, have been awaiting financial assistance for years. Despite repeated promises from state officials, the funding has remained stalled.

The file concerning the funding has been pending with the state's finance department for several months. Frustrated by the lack of action from Finance Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, the assistant professors resumed their hunger strike in front of the Directorate of Higher Education.

The issue has been ongoing for over two decades, with professors citing that no financial support has been provided to these colleges for the past 23 years.

The protest, led by professors Shahaji Marshivane and Hanumant Kure, highlights the financial difficulties faced by the teaching staff due to the absence of funding.

Earlier, the professors had organized a 1.5-year-long sit-in protest at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, but no resolution was reached. The professors have now urged the state government to resolve the matter before the assembly election code of conduct is enforced.

Dr. Bhausaheb Zhirpe, president of the Maharashtra State Action Committee, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that if 100% funding is not granted immediately, the government will face consequences in the upcoming assembly elections.