NHRC Urges Action from UGC Against KIIT Following Nepali Student's Suicide
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Synopsis
The NHRC has called for action against KIIT University and KISS after a Nepali student’s suicide on February 16, citing violations of guidelines on sexual harassment and gender sensitization. Investigations into negligence by university authorities are also underway.
Key Takeaways
- NHRC recommends action against KIIT University.
- Concerns raised about gender sensitization and sexual harassment.
- Inquiry into negligence leading to the student's suicide.
- Police and authorities directed to report on investigations.
- Issues of overcrowding and facilities at KISS highlighted.
Bhubaneswar, March 27 (NationPress) The situation escalates for KIIT University following the tragic suicide of a Nepali female student on its campus on February 16. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has formally recommended that the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) take appropriate action against the private institution and its affiliate, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS).
This recommendation stems from violations of NHRC guidelines concerning sexual harassment and gender sensitization on university grounds.
Additionally, the commission urged the Chairman of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) to scrutinize potential breaches of UGC guidelines and human rights, including anti-ragging measures and the effectiveness of the Internal Complaints Committee for sexual harassment at the workplace within KIIT University, and to provide an Action Taken Report to the commission.
Moreover, the NHRC has instructed the Chief Secretary of Odisha to present an Action Taken Report regarding the negligence exhibited by university authorities that may have contributed to the student’s suicide and potential violations of her constitutional rights.
The Commissioner of Police for the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate has also been directed to submit an updated investigative report regarding the suicide case, which has been recorded at the Infocity police station.
The NHRC's recommendations were based on findings from its Spot Inquiry Team, which determined that KIIT University had infringed upon the deceased student's constitutional rights concerning issues like sexual harassment and access to higher education.
Following the commission's directives, the inquiry team visited KIIT University and KISS in Bhubaneswar between March 6 and 8 to investigate the suicide and the allegations of various irregularities at the university.
The inquiry team reported that the deceased student had lodged a complaint with KIIT’s International Relations Office (IRO) on March 12, 2024, detailing her severe mental distress and threatening her estranged boyfriend, Advik Shrivastava, with suicide if he did not delete certain objectionable photos.
It was found that the IRO merely secured undertakings from both the victim and the accused, failing to escalate the issue to the Internal Complaints Committee or report it to local police.
The commission noted, “There is clear evidence of gross negligence and omission on the part of the IRO and university officials, which could be construed as abetment of suicide.”
Furthermore, the commission highlighted that university officials acknowledged that around 1,000-1,100 students vacated their hostel on February 17, with approximately 180 female students leaving in haste, indicating a potential for further incidents, yet the college authorities did not prioritize the safety of these students.
“Regrettably, the university displayed a lack of remorse and even responded that the allegations lacked merit, showcasing a troubling insensitivity,” the NHRC remarked.
The apex rights body has also mandated the Khordha Collector to submit an Action Taken Report regarding the non-compliance of recommendations made by the Khordha Child Welfare Committee on July 6, 2017, concerning irregularities at KISS, including overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and inadequate basic amenities.
