While universities in Ahmedabad await formal directions from higher authorities on how to proceed against foreign students allegedly involved in a recent “liquor party” incident, several institutions have already issued warnings to their international students about the consequences of breaking local laws.
At Gujarat University, which hosts over 400 international students through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) fellowship programme, meetings were held on Monday and Tuesday to remind students about the importance of following local regulations, according to official sources.
Meanwhile, the ICCR’s Ahmedabad office — which functions under the Ministry of External Affairs — has submitted a detailed report on the incident to its headquarters in New Delhi.
“The officials handling ICCR students have verbally cautioned and sensitised them, making it clear that any such activity in the future could lead to serious consequences,” a senior university representative told an English language national daily.
On Tuesday, Gujarat University issued its first formal statement since the incident occurred on the night of October 24. “Necessary action will be taken as per the rules,” the statement read.
Emphasising the university’s commitment to maintaining healthy international relations, the statement added, “Students from various countries are studying here under official government programmes. Regarding the reports about the incident that took place outside the campus, appropriate action will be taken once we receive official instructions. Other students have also been reminded of the same.”
Gujarat Technological University (GTU) is also awaiting further communication before taking any disciplinary steps. It is understood that three students each from Gujarat University and GTU are part of the ICCR fellowship programme.
“The ICCR office is waiting for official communication from the concerned universities and the police before initiating any action against the students. However, we have already submitted a factual report to our headquarters,” said Subhash Singh, ICCR Gujarat’s sub-zonal officer, told a national daily.
Singh was quoted saying that foreign students are always briefed about Gujarat’s strict prohibition laws during their orientation. “We start every orientation by reminding students that Gujarat is the land of Mahatma Gandhi and operates differently from other states. They are clearly informed that alcohol is banned here and that everyone must respect the law of the land,” he was further quoted.
With admissions under the ICCR fellowship programme still ongoing, orientation sessions have already been conducted at Gujarat University, which currently hosts the largest number of international students in the state.
Across Gujarat, more than 1,350 foreign students are enrolled in various public universities, including Gujarat University, GTU, MS University in Vadodara, and the National Forensic Sciences University in Gandhinagar.
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