The academic link between Nepal and India

The Hindu: Published on 7th March 2025:

Why in News?

• On February 16, a third-year Nepali woman student at KIIT (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology), Bhubaneswar, died by suicide, allegedly due to harassment by a male student.
• Protests erupted as Nepali students accused the university of ignoring complaints made by the deceased student.
• In response, KIIT ordered Nepali students to vacate the campus, which led to widespread outrage, including Nepal’s government intervention.
• The university later withdrew the order, but the incident raised serious concerns about the treatment of Nepali students in Indian institutions.

1️. Foreign Student Enrolment in India

• As per the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22, Nepal contributes the highest share (28%) of foreign students in India.
• Nepali students enroll in nearly 180 Indian universities and institutes, including IITs, IISc, and private institutes like KIIT.
• Most Nepali students pursue undergraduate degrees, though PhD enrolment is gradually increasing.

2️. Historical Academic Relationship Between Nepal and India

• Nepal’s education system has deep historical ties with India, dating back to the Gurukul system.
• During the Rana regime in Nepal, only the elite had access to education, forcing others to seek education in Banaras, Patna, Dehradun, and Darjeeling.
• The first college in Nepal, Tri-Chandra College (1918), was affiliated with Calcutta University and later Patna University.
• Before 1959, there was no postgraduate education in Nepal, so many Nepali scholars studied in India.
• Even after Nepal started developing its independent education system (1971 NESP reforms), the trend of studying in India continued.

3️. Colonial Influence on Nepal’s Education System

• Despite never being colonized, Nepal’s education system was shaped by colonial India through two main routes:
• Affiliating Nepali colleges with Indian universities, limiting Nepal’s ability to develop an independent academic identity.
• Most Nepali instructors were trained in India, leading them to replicate Indian teaching models.
• Nepal tried to “Nepalize” education, but British Indian influence remained strong until the mid-20th century.

4️. Impact of the KIIT Incident on Indo-Nepal Relations

• The Indo-Nepal Peace Treaty of 1950 guarantees equal treatment to the nationals of both countries.
• Article 6 ensures national treatment to Nepali and Indian citizens in each other’s territories.
• Article 7 provides for reciprocal privileges like residence, property ownership, trade, and free movement.
• The KIIT incident violated these provisions, potentially straining India-Nepal diplomatic ties.

Conclusion: 

• The Need for Educational Reforms & Fair Treatment
• Indian universities must ensure equal treatment and a safe academic environment for all students, including foreign nationals.
• Nepal and India share a rich academic bond, which should be strengthened through mutual respect and policy improvements.
• Host institutions must uphold international educational ethics to prevent discriminatory practices and student victimization.