584 Ashram School Students Died in Maharashtra Over 2 Years: Government Data Released

Among statewide questioning following the deaths of 3 tribal female students due to snakebites at a residential "ashram" school in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, a much larger figure has come to light. According to data provided by government officials, a total of 584 students have died in government and government-helped "ashram" schools across Maharashtra over the past two years.

These deaths stem from various causes—officials have cited reasons such as snakebites, sickle cell disease, severe illnesses, accidents, and suicides. The secret of these figures has sparked new concern regarding safety and healthcare facilities in tribal residential schools.

A senior official from Maharashtra's Tribal Development Department said that a total of 584 students have died in the state's government-run and government-aided "ashram" schools over the past two years.

Of these, 384 deaths occurred in government-run "ashram" schools, while 200 occurred in government-aided ones. According to the data provided by the official, the causes of death include snakebites, sickle cell disease, severe illness, accidents, and suicide.

Currently, there are 500 government-run and 513 government-aided Ashram schools in Maharashtra. These are primarily residential educational institutions for tribal children.

In the 2024-25 fiscal year, 170 students died in government Ashram schools. This figure rose to 214 in the following fiscal year, 2025-26. Combining the figures for the two years, a total of 384 deaths occurred in government Ashram schools.

It is not the case that all deaths involving government ashram school students occurred on school premises. According to data provided by officials, 36 of the 384 deaths took place within the school grounds, while the remaining 348 occurred at home.

This information is significant because, alongside the total death toll, it is essential to examine the locations and causes of death separately.

Reports indicate that 200 deaths have occurred in government-aided ashram schools over the past two years.

In the 2024-25 fiscal year, 81 students died in such schools; that figure rose to 119 in the 2025-26 fiscal year. According to official data, of the 200 deaths, 30 took place on school premises, while 170 occurred at home.

Just a few days before these statistics came to light, a horrific incident occurred at the hostel of a government-aided tribal residential school in Japtalai village, Gadchiroli.

It is reported that on the night of August 9, a venomous snake bit 6 female students while they were asleep. Three of them died, while the others received medical treatment. Following the incident, anger mounted among the families and local residents regarding the school's safety measures.

Following the incident in Gadchiroli, the Congress has claimed administrative negligence and corruption. However, these are political allegations, and their veracity will be determined through an investigation.

Given the gravity of the incident, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered the permanent cancellation of the license of the government-aided residential school.

This news is significant because students from remote and tribal areas primarily reside and study in these "ashram" schools; so, the school campus becomes the central hub for their education, accommodation, and daily lives. Given these circumstances, ensuring a safe environment, prompt medical care, and appropriate measures for emergencies is crucial.

With the emergence of the figure of 584 deaths following the recent Gadchiroli incident, the matter can no longer be viewed as merely an isolated case. At the same time, since the causes of death vary, it is essential to examine the issue based on the official data rather than linking the total figure to any single cause.