February 21st 2025.
Bhubaneswar: During a discussion in the Odisha Assembly on Friday, Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj shared updates on the situation concerning Nepali students at KIIT University. He stated that the government is working tirelessly to bring back the students who were asked to leave the campus due to growing tension. The Minister reassured the students that the government will cover their travel expenses and also arrange remedial classes to make up for the lost time.
In his speech, Suraj expressed his concern for the well-being of the students and assured that the government will ensure they do not face any further issues with the university authorities. He also mentioned that a high-level committee has been formed to investigate the matter and eight senior officials from KIIT University have been summoned for the first hearing.
The Minister condemned the university's actions and emphasized that the government is committed to providing justice for the students. He informed that both the Chief Minister and the Central government are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps.
The incident unfolded on February 16 when a Nepali female student, Prakriti Lamsal, committed suicide on campus. This led to tension among the Nepali students, and on February 17, the university authorities asked them to leave immediately. The students were even forcefully taken to railway stations in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
The Higher Education Minister stated that the state government quickly intervened and instructed the university to withdraw the notice. A high-level committee was also formed to investigate the incident, with the Additional Chief Secretary as the chairman and other officials as members.
The Minister revealed that two officials from the Nepalese Embassy in India arrived in Bhubaneswar on February 18 to meet with the students and ensure their well-being. He also mentioned a high-level meeting where the students were assured of all necessary support. Suraj personally spoke with the students to understand their grievances and promised to provide full support.
He further informed that the Higher Education Department has launched helpline numbers and a dedicated WhatsApp number for the students, and efforts are being made to reach out to those who have already left the campus. The Minister also shared that Nepal's Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, has expressed her trust in the measures taken by the Odisha government to resolve the issue.
In conclusion, Suraj assured that the government is devoted to ensuring the safety and well-being of the Nepali students and will continue to provide all necessary support.
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