Vidarbha, Gondia, India: The long-standing demand for residential hostels for Other Backward Class (OBC) students was recently fulfilled. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the hostels virtually from Nagpur. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, OBC Welfare Minister Atul Save, MLC Dr. Parinay Fuke, and others attended the virtual event.

MLA Vinod Agrawal, Zilla Parishad President Pankaj Rahangdale, ZP CEO Muruganantham M, BJP OBC Cell District President Gajendra Funde, OBC Adhikaar Manch Convener Khemendra Katre, Rajesh Bisen, and Assistant Director of the OBC Welfare Department Vinod Mohture were key attendees at the event.

MLA Agrawal stated that students from financially weaker backgrounds were struggling with their education, as many couldn’t move to the city for higher studies due to the lack of hostels. He added that the new hostels would greatly benefit these deserving students. He expressed optimism, mentioning discussions with higher authorities, and voiced confidence that construction of a 200-capacity hostel for OBC students would begin soon.

OBC Adhikaar Manch Convener Khemendra Katre stated that their long struggle had finally paid off, marking a victory for the unity of the community. Currently, two separate hostels for boys and girls have been established in rented locations at Ganesh Nagar and Kudwa, with 37 boys and 53 girls enrolled, continuing their studies after the 12th grade.

Social Welfare Inspector Swati Kapse led the program, which saw a large turnout of students attending the ceremony.