Synopsis
Odisha's Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has confirmed that steps are being taken to assist Nepali students in returning to KIIT University, including covering their travel expenses and organizing remedial classes. The government is ensuring that students will be protected from any repercussions from university authorities following a tragic incident.Key Takeaways
- Efforts are underway to help Nepali students return to KIIT University.
- Travel expenses for returning students will be covered by the government.
- Remedial classes will be organized if necessary.
- Government intervention followed an incident involving a student's suicide.
- High-level committee established to investigate university actions.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 21 (NationPress) Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj announced on Friday that initiatives are in place to facilitate the return of Nepali students and guaranteed that the travel expenses for all students returning to their campuses at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar will be covered.
During the discussion regarding the adjournment motion raised by the opposition Congress party members, Suraj stated in the Odisha Assembly that remedial classes will be arranged for the students, and, if necessary, the government will ensure that the mid-semester exams are postponed.
He reiterated that the government is committed to covering the travel costs for the Nepali students heading back to the campus.
In his remarks, the Higher Education Minister emphasized that the government will provide special attention to prevent the students from facing any consequences from KIIT authorities in the future.
Suraj also mentioned that notices have been dispatched to eight senior officials of KIIT University to attend the initial hearing of the high-level committee established by the government to investigate this issue.
Expressing his discontent, Suraj stated: “The actions taken by KIIT University were inhumane and completely unacceptable. The state government strongly condemns this incident and is committed to ensuring justice. Both the Chief Minister and the Central government have taken this matter very seriously and are in constant communication regarding the developments.”
He highlighted that the suicide of Nepali student Prakriti Lamsal was reported on the afternoon of February 16, which escalated tensions on the university campus.
He further explained that subsequently, on February 17, KIIT University instructed Nepali students to vacate the campus immediately.
The Nepali students were also forcibly taken to the railway stations in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack by the university administration.
The Higher Education Minister indicated that the state government quickly intervened and directed the KIIT authorities to retract the controversial notice.
Moreover, a high-level committee was established under the leadership of the Additional Chief Secretary (Home Department), with the Principal Secretaries of Women & Child Development and Higher Education Departments as members, to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
The Higher Education Minister also revealed that two senior officials from the Nepalese Embassy in India arrived in Bhubaneswar on February 18 and held extensive discussions with the students at the KIIT hostel to evaluate their well-being.
He mentioned that a high-level meeting took place with the Health Minister and Chief Secretary, during which Nepalese officials were assured of all necessary support. Suraj stated that he personally engaged with the students regarding their concerns and guaranteed full support.
The Minister asserted that following telephonic conversations, Nepal's Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba conveyed her confidence in the measures taken by the Odisha government via a social media post.
“The Higher Education Department has initiated four 24x7 helpline numbers and a dedicated WhatsApp number from February 19, 2025. Efforts are being made to reach out to students who have already left the KIIT campus, encouraging them to return and providing reassurances about their safety,” said the Higher Education Minister.
