Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recommended action against KIIT University following the suicide of a Nepali female student on February 16. Allegations of negligence and violations of sexual harassment guidelines are under scrutiny.
The NHRC has advised the University Grants Commission (UGC) to take appropriate measures against KIIT University and its sister institution, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), citing non-compliance with gender sensitization and sexual harassment prevention guidelines.
Additionally, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has been asked to investigate violations related to anti-ragging policies and workplace harassment regulations and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR).
Directives to Odisha Authorities
The Odisha Chief Secretary has been instructed to provide an ATR on the university’s negligence, which allegedly contributed to the student’s suicide. Similarly, the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate must submit an updated investigation report on the case.
The NHRC’s recommendations stem from the findings of its Spot Inquiry Team, which visited KIIT University and KISS between March 6-8. The team concluded that university authorities had violated the deceased student’s constitutional rights concerning sexual harassment and access to higher education.
Inquiry Team Findings
The student had filed a complaint with KIIT’s International Relations Office (IRO) on March 12, 2024, citing severe mental distress and requesting the deletion of objectionable photos by her former boyfriend, Advik Shrivastava. However, the university merely obtained undertakings from both parties without referring the matter to its Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) or informing the police. The NHRC deemed this inaction as gross negligence, potentially amounting to the abetment of suicide.
Student Exodus and Institutional Apathy
The commission noted that over 1,000 students vacated KIIT hostels on February 17, including 180 female students who left hastily, raising concerns about their safety. Despite this, university authorities displayed indifference and dismissed the allegations as baseless.
The NHRC also directed the Khordha Collector to report on the non-compliance of a 2017 Child Welfare Committee recommendation, which highlighted overcrowding and inadequate facilities at KISS.
