BHUBANESWAR: Days after the alleged suicide of a Nepalese BTech student at KIIT University, the Odisha government on Thursday launched a dedicated international student facilitation cell to assist foreign students.
Sources said the cell has been opened by the Higher Education department to address the issues faced by foreign students across public, private and deemed universities in the state.
The cell will provide guidance and assistance to students for smooth academic and cultural experience apart from grievance redressal. “It aims at promoting an inclusive and supportive environment for international students pursuing or interested to pursue their studies in colleges and universities in Odisha,” the department said in an official statement.
A helpline (0674-2323403/4) has also been set up for students to seek assistance between 10:30 am and 5:30 pm on working days.
On February 16, a 20-year-old Nepalese BTech student had allegedly died by suicide in her hostel room at KIIT University after reportedly being harassed by a fellow student. The incident had subsequently led to outrage among students after university security personnel attacked some agitating students.
Her family members and students alleged that the victim had earlier reached out to the international relations office of the university and reported the matter but no action was taken.
Meanwhile, a team from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) conducted an investigation into the death of the student. The inquiry team led by Registrar (Law) Joginder Singh quizzed officials, classmates and hostel mates of the deceased student and the hostel warden.
The probe was conducted following a petition filed by a resident of the city and a letter sent by the human rights panel of Nepal. The probe team has been asked to submit their findings by March 10.