The controversies surrounding Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) have been brought to the forefront following the tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal, a 20-year-old student from Nepal. Prakriti's story resonates deeply with her loved ones, especially her father, Sunil Lamsal, who is on a quest for accountability amid allegations of negligence and harassment.
Prakriti was studying computer science at KIIT, having traveled to India from her home near the Nepal-India border, with dreams of becoming an engineer. Described as shy yet compassionate, she was dedicated to helping her younger brother and aimed to uplift her family's future. Sadly, her aspirations were cut short, and her father's heart-wrenching quest for justice began following her death, which he connected to mishandled complaints of harassment.
Following her passing, Sunil shared with The Economic Times his frustration over the university's response to Prakriti's complaints, stating, "No action was taken on her complaints." He noted the institution merely organized counseling sessions instead of pursuing firmer actions to address the allegations against her fellow student. This lack of action contributes to the painful narrative of regret hovering over Prakriti’s loss.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Nepal’s Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli reached out to Prakriti's family, expressing his sorrow and promising diplomatic support. He assured them, "This news has deeply saddened me. It has brought grief to all of us." His government now eyes the situation, hoping for thorough investigations and the assurance of safety for Nepali students studying abroad—a potential beacon of hope amid despair.
Compounding these issues, the Odisha Soochana Adhikar Abhijan (OSAA) has accused KIIT's founder, Achyuta Samanta, of engaging in irregularities and fostering a non-transparent environment. They called for Samanta's arrest and demanded accountability for the university's operations, emphasizing the necessity of exposing alleged wrongdoings. Pradip Pradhan, an RTI activist, remarked, "There is no information available about KIIT university in the public domain," highlighting serious concerns about governance and student safety.
Another troubling aspect of this controversy revolves around the university's exemption from the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Past efforts to subject KIIT to RTI provisions were thwarted when the former Advocate General Ashok Parija represented the university, leading to accusations of favoritism. Critics are questioning how this dual role may equate to conflicts of interest.
The concerns raised by OSAA extend to the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), overseen by Samanta, which also lacks transparency and raises questions about how aid and resources are used, especially concerning the minor-aged students enrolled there. The organization has highlighted the need for stringent checks on such institutions to safeguard the rights and safety of vulnerable populations.
Prakriti’s family continues to advocate for justice as they navigate their grief. Sunil Lamsal’s hope for fairness echoes through his words as he stated, "We do not want such incidents to recur. Our government must take proactive steps in this matter." This sentiment resonates widely, as many fear Prakriti’s case will fade without the urgency and attention it deserves.
While KIIT remains under scrutiny, the focus on student safety and responsible governance grows ever more imperative. The allegations surrounding Achyuta Samanta and KIIT cast shadows not only on the institution but also on the perception of foreign education for Nepalese students.
The need for reforms and strict measures to protect students from harassment and abuse is pressing. The hope is for systemic changes within institutions like KIIT to promote transparency, accountability, and most critically, the safety and well-being of every student.
With the involvement of both the Nepalese and Indian governments, the outcome of Prakriti's case may pave the way for significant reforms—ensuring such tragedies can be addressed before they occur. The push for accountability is gaining momentum as voices from both nations unite against the backdrop of this deeply tragic incident.