Odisha Higher Education Department Launches Help Desk for Nepali Students
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Synopsis
The Odisha Higher Education Department has set up a 24x7 help desk to assist Nepali students affected by recent events at KIIT University, ensuring their safe return and ongoing welfare.
Key Takeaways
- 24x7 help desk established for Nepali students.
- Contact numbers provided for assistance.
- Nodal officer appointed to oversee operations.
- Counselors will be engaged to support students.
- Committee formed to investigate the recent incident.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 19 (NationPress) The Odisha Higher Education Department has inaugurated a 24x7 help desk aimed at facilitating the safe return of Nepali students who have departed from the campus, as well as supporting the welfare of those currently residing at KIIT Deemed University in Bhubaneswar.
The department has provided four phone numbers (0674-2396550, 0674-2323401, 0674-2323402, 0674-2323403) alongside a WhatsApp contact (9124620605) for students seeking assistance.
“In response to the recent incident affecting the students, and to ensure their safety, the Higher Education Department has established a 24x7 help desk,” stated the official order.
According to the order, Kali Prasanna Mohapatra, the Director of Higher Education, will act as the Nodal Officer for the help desk, with Deputy Director Rajata Manasingh assisting him. The help desk will be staffed by nine personnel available at all hours.
“The help desk is operational immediately and will reach out to students to facilitate their swift return, addressing any personal concerns. Affected students and parents are encouraged to contact the help desk for a prompt return to their academic environment,” the order further instructed.
The department announced it will employ counselors to help regain the students' confidence.
Additionally, the department will maintain communication with students to assist in bringing back those who have left the campus, ensuring that those currently on campus feel secure and their concerns are addressed regularly. The department has pledged to protect their academic interests.
A three-member high-level committee was formed to conduct a thorough investigation into the distressing incident at KIIT University involving Nepali students. The committee visited the university to engage with Nepali students residing in the hostel and university officials, examining various locations related to the incident.
“The committee will conduct detailed investigations into the unfortunate incident which prompted the university to suspend classes for Nepali students, resulting in their forced removal from the campus. The committee will also assess measures taken to ensure their safe return and the safety of students still on campus,” the department explained.
Notably, the tragic case involved Prakriti Lamsal, a third-year BTech (Computer Science) student, who took her life on Sunday following persistent harassment from her ex-boyfriend, Advik Shrivastava, a B.Tech (Mechanical) student. Police apprehended the suspect at Bhubaneswar Airport while he attempted to flee the city.
In the meantime, students who protested for justice for the deceased were instructed to vacate the campus. Private university authorities forcibly evicted the protesting students and allegedly assaulted them on Monday.
Following widespread criticism, the university later issued an apology regarding the incident and encouraged the students to return. Furthermore, two senior hostel officials and one senior administrative officer from the International Relations Office have been suspended pending the investigation.
