NEW DELHI: In response to the recent controversy surrounding the alleged suicide of a female Nepali student and the mistreatment of other Nepali students at KIIT University, the Odisha Higher Education Department on Thursday announced the establishment of a dedicated International Student Facilitation Cell to address concerns of foreign students studying in the state.
According to an official statement on the departmentโs X handle, the newly launched cell aims to assist and support international students across public, private, and deemed universities in Odisha.
The Higher Education Department has launched a dedicated International Student Facilitation Cell to support and assist international students across (Public/Private/Deemed) universities in the State. pic.twitter.com/2BnbVN7p83
โ Higher Education Department, Govt. of Odisha ๐ฎ๐ณ (@DHE_Odisha) March 6, 2025
It will provide guidance, ensure a smooth academic and cultural experience, and serve as a grievance redressal platform for students from other countries pursuing education in the state.
The department emphasized its commitment to fostering a conducive and inclusive environment for international students.
As part of this initiative, helpline numbers 0674-2323403 and 0674-2323404 have been issued, available from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on working days for students seeking assistance.
The move comes in the wake of the February 16 suicide of a female Nepali student at KIIT University, which led to protests by Nepali students against alleged negligence by university authorities.
Following the demonstrations, reports emerged of Nepali students being assaulted and forcefully evicted from hostels and campus premises, sparking widespread outrage in both India and Nepal.
Amid mounting backlash, KIIT University apologized for the mistreatment and urged the Nepali students to return.
The university also took disciplinary action, suspending staff members involved in the incident.
The Bhubaneswar police arrested 10 individuals, including three university directors, for assaulting the Nepali students. Additionally, the boyfriend of the deceased student was arrested on charges of abetment to suicide.
Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched an investigation into the matter, with a team of senior officials arriving in Bhubaneswar on Thursday to probe the incident.
