Kathmandu, November 6, 2024 – Government of Nepal, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has announced the formation of a dedicated Help Desk to support Nepali students studying abroad, following the recent death of a Nepali student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University in Odisha, India. The Ministry expressed serious concern over the circumstances surrounding the death of student Prakriti Lamsal and the subsequent treatment of Nepali students at the university.
In a press release issued today, the Ministry stated that it has been closely monitoring the situation and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nepali students studying overseas. The Ministry criticized the university administration's handling of the situation, stating that their actions were "condemnable" and contradict established international norms regarding student rights.
Immediately after receiving news of the incident, the Ministry said it formally requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate diplomatic channels to ascertain the facts and work towards a resolution. The Ministry also highlighted the potential psychological impact on students and parents, acknowledging the "fear and uncertainty" felt by thousands of Nepali students studying in India. They have urged the Indian government to ensure the smooth continuation of studies for all students at KIIT.
The newly established Help Desk will provide immediate assistance and support to affected students and their families. The Ministry aims to utilize the Help Desk to address the current situation and develop a more effective and proactive approach to resolving educational challenges faced by Nepali students in foreign universities in the future.
The Ministry has appealed to all parents and students to remain calm during this difficult time. They also warned that if the issues surrounding the death are not resolved justly and legally, the Ministry may suspend the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOC) for students seeking to study at universities in Odisha, India.
