Move foreign students to campus hostels within 30 days, Raipur authorities tell varsities
RAIPUR: Raipur District Collector Gaurav Kumar Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Shweta Srivastava Sinha held a joint meeting with vice-chancellors and representatives of various universities in the district to review law and order and student safety.
During the meeting held at the District Collectorate, authorities instructed educational institutions to ensure safe and structured accommodation for all international students. Universities must move foreign students currently living in private rented accommodations, PG facilities, or off-campus locations into university-managed or affiliated hostels within 15 to 30 days.
Institutions were told to formulate an action plan keeping in mind student convenience, safety, local conditions, and available residential capacity.
The administration stressed that while ensuring the safety of international students remains a key priority, maintaining peace and order for local residents is equally important. Officials asked universities to take preventive measures to address potential issues before any untoward incident, accident, or unlawful activity occurs.
Local authorities regularly receive complaints and feedback from residents regarding foreign students, including concerns about indiscipline or potential involvement in unlawful activities. The administration directed institutions to establish effective monitoring mechanisms, regular counselling, and disciplinary frameworks on campus.
Officials clarified that no action will be taken against any student based solely on their nationality, but any individual violating the law will face action according to established procedures.
Recognising that international students come from varied social and cultural backgrounds, the administration advised universities to conduct regular orientation programmes. These sessions should educate students on Indian laws, local customs, public conduct, traffic rules, cyber safety, and awareness against drug abuse. Institutions must also provide students with emergency contact numbers and police assistance details.
Universities must maintain updated, verified records of all international students, including their total count, nationality, enrolled courses, admission status, residential details, and contact information. Institutions must share these records with the district administration and police whenever required, ensuring all entry, stay, and accommodation details remain documented and up to date.
The collector and police chief appealed to university managements, international students, and local residents to cooperate in keeping Raipur a safe and peaceful educational hub. The administration stated that maintaining safety requires coordinated efforts among university authorities, students, guardians, and the local community.
