India, Oct. 28 -- Hundreds of professors and teaching aspirants from across Maharashtra have begun an indefinite hunger strike outside the office of the Director of Higher Education in Pune, protesting long-pending recruitment and pay disputes. The demonstration, launched on Monday, October 27, under the leadership of Prof Sandeep Pathrikar, state president of the Maharashtra New Professors Association (MNPA), underscores growing frustration among educators awaiting employment and pay reforms.

The protesters are demanding full recruitment of professors, librarians, physical education directors, and laboratory assistants in line with the October 1, 2017 staffing structure, along with an immediate revision of pay for CHB (Clock Hour Basis)...