Bhubaneswar: The KIIT-DU in Bhubaneswar has initiated a series of steps to ensure normalcy on campus after the February 16 fiasco following the alleged death by suicide of a 20-year-old engineering student from Nepal.
According to a varsity release, the administration has implemented measures aimed at maintaining student safety, addressing concerns, and ensuring uninterrupted academic activities. A 24/7 control room to support its Nepali student community, in response to the situation.
Additionally, disciplinary actions were taken against certain staff members after an internal review.
University officials stated that these steps were part of their commitment to upholding institutional policies and ensuring student well-being. “We remain committed to ensuring a safe and uninterrupted learning environment for all students,” a university spokesperson said.
While reports initially suggested uncertainty among Nepali students regarding their return, university sources indicated that most students have resumed classes, and the academic schedule has remained unaffected. Regular classes are continuing without disruption, and students are engaging in their coursework and campus activities as usual, it added.
Academic and Institutional Events Proceed Without Disruption
In the last 10 days, several national and international events have been hosted at KIIT.
The East Zone Inter-University Cricket Championship, which saw participation from 70 universities and 1,600 players and officials, was successfully conducted on campus, it further informed.
Two international academic conferences—the 2nd International Workshop on Dam Safety and the International Conference on Recent Advances in Nanomedicine—brought together over 500 delegates each, including researchers, academicians, and industry experts.
The university also welcomed more than 60 international academic leaders over a 10-day period, including delegations from Harvard University, Japan, and other institutions, who participated in interactions with students and faculty.
Additional institutional activities, including meetings with embassy representatives, academic discussions, and collaborations, also continued as scheduled.
KIIT also hosted the Association of Indian Universities’ prestigious Central Zone Vice-Chancellors’ Meet, underscoring its role in ongoing discussions related to higher education policies and institutional governance.
The ongoing probe…
On Thursday, around half a dozen senior KIIT officials appeared before the Odisha government’s high-level committee probing the death of the student and subsequent unrest on the campus.
Among those summoned by the Higher Education department were KIIT chief proctor P K Patnaik, director Sanhita Mishra, Internal Committee chief Ipsita Satpathy, assistant director Smarika Pati.
The three-member committee headed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu, heard the views of the KIIT officials and inquired on the circumstances that led to the unrest on the KIIT campus and whether the deceased foreign student had made any complaint of harassment before the private varsity’s International Relations Office (IRO).
On February 21, KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta and seven other top officials of the varsity had appeared before the panel and recorded their statements.
Local support
While a political slugfest started over the issue, locals have come out in support of the institute. “Don’t allow such a big institution to collapse. The area witnessed a big transformation after KIIT was set up here. People from around 19 villages have got employment here. Those who are casting aspersions on KIIT should also look at how they have benefitted from it over the years. Don’t allow the KIIT to die and take away the livelihood of the people,” The Telegraph reported, quoting one Nrushinga Sahu.
