Historical Academic Ties
- Nepal’s formal education system has deep connections with India, dating back to the Rana regime.
- Many Nepalese elites pursued education in Indian cities like Banaras, Patna, Darjeeling, Dehradun, and Gorakhpur.
- The first college in Nepal, Tri-Chandra College (1918), was initially affiliated with Calcutta University and later Patna University.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations ,Education)
Influence of Colonial Legacy
- Nepal was never colonized, yet its education system was shaped by British India.
- Colonial influence was established through:
- Affiliation of Nepalese institutions with Indian universities – limiting local academic autonomy.
- Nepali instructors trained in Indian universities – reinforcing the colonial curriculum.
- Until 1959 (when Tribhuvan University was established), Nepal lacked postgraduate education.
Shift Towards Independent Education
- National Educational Planning Commission (NEPC) – 1954: Aimed to make education more relevant to Nepal’s national needs.
- New Education System Plan (NESP) – 1971: Revamped the education system for greater autonomy.
- Despite these efforts, Indian universities remain a key academic destination for Nepalese students.
Nepalese Students in Indian Institutions
- Nepal consistently contributes the highest number of foreign students in India.
- 2021-22 AISHE Data: 46,878 foreign students enrolled in India, 28% from Nepal.
- Preference for engineering, technology, and social sciences at IITs, IISc, and private institutes like KIIT.
- Presence in universities across India – from Kashmir to Kerala, NEHU to Gujarat Ayurveda University.
Challenges Faced by Nepalese Students in India
- Instances of discrimination, harassment, and lack of institutional support.
- KIIT incident (2024):
- A Nepalese student died by suicide due to harassment, leading to protests.
- University initially expelled Nepalese students but later withdrew the order after backlash.
- Raised concerns over student safety and Indo-Nepal diplomatic ties.
Indo-Nepal Peace Treaty & Bilateral Concerns
- Article 6: Ensures national treatment for each other’s citizens.
- Article 7: Grants reciprocal privileges for residence, trade, movement, etc.
- Incidents like KIIT contradict the treaty and risk straining bilateral relations.
Higher Education as a Cultural Bridge
- Education fosters cross-border cultural capital and South Asian unity.
- Institutions must ensure equal treatment to foreign students to prevent alienation and discrimination.
- Differential treatment weakens the educational ethos, turning academia into a pedagogy of the oppressed.
