KIIT University incident was barbaric, mid-semester will be rescheduled: Odisha Minister

Amid unrest at KIIT University over a Nepali student’s death, allegedly by suicide, Odisha Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on Friday said that the mid-semester at the university will be postponed.

Condemning the incident during a discussion on the adjournment motion over the matter in the Odisha Assembly, Suraj also informed that there will be remedial classes for the affected students due to unrest over the death of a student from Nepal that left Odisha red-faced.

Higher Education Minister Terms KIIT Incident ‘Barbaric’

Terming the incident barbaric, the Higher Education minister informed the Assembly that a three-member high-level committee has been formed to probe the incident.

He also emphasised that both Chief Minister and the Central Government are taking the matter seriously. The Central Government is in constant communication with the state authorities, closely monitoring the developments. 

Additionally, the state government representatives have discussed the matter with the Nepalese authorities to address concerns, he informed, adding that he also personally interacted with the students to understand their grievances. 

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Minister on Steps Taken by Odisha Government

The Odisha government has taken several steps, including the launch of four 24-hour helpline numbers for students’ assistance. The government has also urged Nepalese students to return to the campus and assured them of a safe environment, he informed the House.

The Odisha government will bear the travel expenses of students returning to campus, Suraj stated.

Read More: KIIT University tension: 5 more arrested, including 4 bouncers

Hearing By High-Level Committee Today

Meanwhile, the high-level committee will hear the matter at 3 pm today and eight officials of the varsity will depose before the committee, informed the Higher Education Minister.