Higher Education in India
Why is there a decline in Indian students studying abroad in traditional destinations like the US, UK, and Canada?
The decline is caused by multiple factors, including diplomatic tensions, stricter visa policies, and rising costs. Canada saw the steepest drop (41%) following diplomatic fallout when Canada's PM accused India regarding Hardeep Singh Ninjal, leading to tightened visa regulations. The US (13% decline) faces challenges from Trump's rigid student visa policies, while the UK (27% drop) implemented stricter rules limiting family accompaniment and post-study work options. Additionally, the rupee's depreciation against the dollar (from ₹82 to ₹87.34) has significantly increased education costs abroad, pushing students toward alternatives like Russia, Germany, and Uzbekistan, which offer more affordable tuition and easier visa processes.
Watch clip answer (02:35m)Why are Nepalese students afraid to return to KIIT despite the university's apology?
Nepalese students suspended from the Kalinga Institute of Technology (KIIT) in Odisha, India have expressed fear about returning to campus despite receiving an official apology from university officials. Following demonstrations at the institution, these students remain concerned about their safety if they were to return as requested by the administration. The situation highlights a tension between institutional accountability and student safety amid social unrest. Despite KIIT officials apologizing and explicitly inviting the suspended students back to campus, the Nepalese students' continued reluctance suggests deeper concerns about their security and treatment that haven't been adequately addressed by the university's response.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)Why are Nepalese students hesitant to return to Kalinga Institute of Technology?
Nepalese students suspended from the Kalinga Institute of Technology in India's Odisha state are expressing fear about returning to campus despite receiving apologies from institute officials. Their hesitation stems from recent demonstrations that occurred at the institution, which appear to have created an environment where these students no longer feel safe or comfortable. Although KIIT officials have issued formal apologies and explicitly invited the students to return to campus, these assurances have not been sufficient to overcome the students' concerns. The situation highlights the serious impact campus unrest can have on international students' sense of security and trust in educational institutions.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)What measures has Nepal's Prime Minister taken to safeguard Nepali students in India following the incident at Kalinga Institute?
Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has taken several actions to protect Nepali students in India. The Nepal Embassy in New Delhi dispatched two officers to counsel students affected by the incident. Additionally, arrangements were made to give students options to either remain in their hostels or return home to Nepal if they felt unsafe. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has also assured that Nepali students form an important part of people-to-people links between the nations. The Nepalese government has committed to continue taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their students studying in India, recognizing their importance to bilateral relations.
Watch clip answer (00:32m)What sparked the protests at the university and in Kathmandu?
The protests were triggered by the tragic death of a Nepali female student who was allegedly being harassed by a male student at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in Odisha, India. On February 15, primarily Nepalese students demonstrated against what they claimed was inaction by university authorities against the alleged harasser. An FIR was filed based on the complaint from the deceased girl's cousin, stating she had been subjected to harassment. The incident not only led to campus protests but also sparked massive demonstrations in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, as students demanded accountability and better safety measures from the institution.
Watch clip answer (00:28m)How did Nepal's government respond to the situation of Nepalese students at the Indian university following protests?
Following demonstrations, Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharmaoli took decisive action by dispatching two officers from the Nepal Embassy in New Delhi to counsel the affected students. The government made arrangements to ensure students had options to either remain in their hostel or return home safely. When the university initially asked Nepalese students to leave until the inquiry was completed, many worried students were seen at Kattak's railway station trying to find transportation home. However, the university later reversed its position, issuing a statement appealing for students to return and resume classes as the situation stabilized.
Watch clip answer (00:48m)