Former Odisha Chief Secretary Bijay Patnaik has sharply criticized the mistreatment of Nepalese students at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar. The controversy, sparked by the tragic death of a girl on campus, has not only raised serious concerns over student safety but also tarnished Odisha’s reputation on the international stage.
Allegations of Land Scams
During his tenure, Patnaik recalled that KIIT faced multiple accusations of engaging in land scams. He noted that a case was registered in the estate court with clear instructions to proceed according to the law. This historical context adds to the current criticism of the institute.
International Image and Racism Concerns
Patnaik expressed dismay at the global embarrassment inflicted upon Odisha by the incident. He highlighted that the derogatory and racist remarks made at Nepal’s GDP underscore a deeper issue. According to him, such behavior could dissuade international students from considering educational institutions in the state in the future.
Calls for Accountability and New Measures
The former bureaucrat urged both the state and central governments, as well as the University Grants Commission (UGC), to take stern action by issuing a show-cause notice to KIIT regarding its deemed university status. Patnaik also proposed establishing a dedicated committee at the Governor’s office, enabling foreign students to safely lodge grievances and ensuring their concerns are promptly addressed.
Political Implications and the Call for Change
With the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) now in power in Odisha, Patnaik called for decisive action against KIIT. He emphasized that the new administration must set itself apart from the previous BJD government, which had been accused of showing undue favoritism toward KIIT’s founder and former BJD MP Achyuta Samanta. Failure to enact meaningful reforms, he warned, would only reinforce perceptions that no real change has occurred.
Patnaik concluded by stressing the need for a thorough investigation into various allegations—including those related to forest land grabbing and the selective eviction of Nepalese students from the campus. If evidence shows that the deceased student’s complaints of harassment were ignored, those responsible must face criminal investigations. The call for accountability is clear: every deviation from the law must be scrutinized and addressed to restore trust in Odisha’s higher education system.
