India, Aug. 14 -- An average of nearly one student died every day in Maharashtra's ashram schools over the last two years, taking the total death toll to 584 across state-run and government-aided residential facilities during the period, officials said on Friday.

According to officials, the causes of death ranged from snakebites and sickle cell disease to serious illnesses, accidents, and suicides.

Facing severe criticism over the recent deaths of three tribal girls due to snakebite in Gadchiroli, the Maharashtra government has initiated corrective measures, including the cancellation of the residential school's licence and comprehensive safety audits of all such facilities across the state.

According to officials, data shows that 584 ...