Srinagar, August 21: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Friday wrote to Indian Ambassador to Iran Vishwesh Negi, seeking intervention over accommodation and welfare concerns reportedly faced by Indian students, including students from Jammu & Kashmir, at Kerman University of Medical Sciences (KMU), Iran.
JKSA’s Iran Coordinator Faizan Nabi said students had been facing accommodation-related difficulties for more than a year and alleged that international students were required to stay in university-affiliated accommodation managed through a private contractor, with limited options to arrange private accommodation independently.
According to representations received by the association, students are charged around USD 100 per month for accommodation, with approximately four students sharing rooms measuring about 12×12 feet. They have also reported that around 15 students may share common kitchen and washroom facilities. Food services reportedly cost an additional USD 70 per month.
The association said students had requested permission to arrange suitable private accommodation at their own expense, subject to Iranian law and university regulations. It said such an arrangement could address concerns relating to overcrowding and living conditions.
JKSA also brought to the Embassy’s attention allegations concerning the treatment of students who raised questions over accommodation charges and management arrangements. Some students have reportedly alleged that they faced threats concerning their university portal accounts. Another representation alleged that newly arrived female students were not allowed to use certain dormitory facilities until signing a one-year accommodation contract.
The allegations have not been independently verified. JKSA has called for an examination of the complaints by the appropriate authorities and safeguards against any retaliation against students raising grievances.
Nabi said students had raised the issues with the university’s International Affairs Department and other established channels for more than a year but claimed that no lasting resolution had been reached.
JKSA urged the Indian Embassy in Tehran to take up the matter with KMU and relevant Iranian authorities and facilitate dialogue between students and the university administration. It also sought a review of accommodation charges, room occupancy, food costs, facilities and management arrangements if university accommodation remains mandatory.
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