Odisha Unveils International Student Facilitation Cell for Foreign Scholars
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Synopsis
Bhubaneswar's Odisha Higher Education department has launched an International Student Facilitation Cell to support foreign students, following controversies involving the mistreatment of Nepali students at KIIT University. This initiative aims to improve academic and cultural experiences for international scholars in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Dedicated International Student Facilitation Cell launched.
- Cell aims to address issues faced by foreign students.
- Helpline numbers provided for support.
- University authorities faced backlash over student mistreatment.
- Investigation initiated by the National Human Rights Commission.
Bhubaneswar, March 6 (NationPress) In light of the recent turmoil surrounding the alleged suicide of a female Nepali student and the reported mistreatment of other students from Nepal by the authorities at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, the Odisha Higher Education department announced the establishment of a dedicated International Student Facilitation Cell on Thursday. This initiative aims to tackle issues faced by foreign students enrolled in various educational institutions across the state.
As stated by the department on their official X account, this specialized cell has been created to offer support and guidance to international students attending all public, private, and deemed universities within Odisha.
The department emphasized that the cell will provide essential assistance to international students, ensuring a smooth academic and cultural journey in the state's higher educational institutions.
This cell will serve as an effective platform for addressing grievances from students hailing from other countries pursuing their studies in Odisha. The department aims to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for international students interested in studying in Odisha's colleges and universities through this dedicated cell.
The higher education department has introduced helpline numbers 0674-2323403 and 0674-2323404, with assistance available from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on working days.
The tragic incident involving the Nepali female student at KIIT University on February 16, along with the subsequent mistreatment of Nepali students by university officials, ignited a significant controversy in India and the neighboring Himalayan nation.
Reports indicate that Nepali students faced assault and were forcibly removed from their hostel and the university campus for protesting against the institution's negligence that led to the victim's death.
Following widespread criticism, university officials extended an apology for the mistreatment and invited Nepali students to return.
The university also suspended several staff members involved in the incident. A total of 10 individuals, including three directors from KIIT University, were arrested by Bhubaneswar police for assaulting Nepali students.
Additionally, the police had previously arrested the deceased student's boyfriend on charges of abetting her suicide.
A team of senior officials from the National Human Rights Commission arrived in Bhubaneswar on Thursday to investigate the entire situation.
