JKSA writes to Indian Ambassador to Iran over accommodation and welfare concerns at Kerman University

SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Friday wrote to Vishwesh Negi, Ambassador of India to the Islamic Republic of Iran, seeking urgent intervention regarding accommodation conditions and broader welfare concerns reportedly faced by Indian students, including a significant number from Jammu & Kashmir, pursuing medical education at Kerman University of Medical Sciences (KMU), Iran.Iran Coordinator of the Association, Faizan Nabi, said Indian students at KMU have been facing persistent accommodation-related difficulties for more than a year.

According to representations received by JKSA, international students are required to stay in university-affiliated accommodation reportedly managed through a private contractor, leaving them with little or no option to independently arrange suitable private accommodation, even when they are willing to bear the expenses themselves.The students have reportedly stated that they are charged approximately USD 100 per person per month for accommodation, with around four students sharing rooms measuring approximately 12 × 12 feet. They have further reported that around 15 students may be required to share common kitchen and washroom facilities.

In addition, students reportedly pay approximately USD 70 per month for food services. JKSA said these recurring expenses can place a significant financial burden on Indian families, particularly those from economically modest backgrounds.The Association said students have sought permission to rent safe and suitable private accommodation at their own expense, subject to applicable Iranian laws and university regulations. According to the students, providing such an option could help reduce overcrowding while allowing them to maintain a safer, more comfortable and dignified living environment.

Nabi also brought to the Embassy's attention allegations concerning the treatment of students who have questioned accommodation charges and management arrangements. Some students have reportedly alleged that they were threatened with consequences involving their university portal accounts and expressed concerns over what they considered inappropriate or disrespectful treatment. One representation received by JKSA alleges that newly arrived female students were reportedly not permitted to use certain dormitory facilities until they signed a one-year accommodation contract. JKSA has urged that these allegations be independently examined by the appropriate authorities and that students raising genuine grievances be protected from retaliation.

According to Nabi, students have repeatedly raised these concerns with the International Affairs Department of Kerman University of Medical Sciences and through the university's established channels for more than a year. However, they maintain that their efforts have not resulted in a satisfactory or lasting resolution.JKSA has requested the Indian Embassy in Tehran to take up the matter with KMU and the relevant Iranian authorities, wherever appropriate, and facilitate constructive dialogue between the students and university administration.

The Association has particularly urged the Embassy to explore the possibility of allowing international students to arrange suitable private accommodation at their own expense. If university-affiliated accommodation is required to remain mandatory, JKSA has sought a transparent review of accommodation charges, room occupancy, food costs, facilities and management arrangements to ensure that the expenses are reasonable and proportionate to the services provided.“Indian students pursuing medical education abroad make significant financial and personal commitments.

Their accommodation is not merely a matter of convenience; it directly affects their safety, dignity, financial well-being and ability to concentrate on their studies. Their concerns therefore deserve to be heard and addressed through a fair, transparent and constructive process,” JKSA said.The Association has also called for appropriate safeguards to ensure that students can raise academic, accommodation and welfare concerns without fear of intimidation, harassment or adverse consequences affecting their academic records or access to university services. It said an accessible and effective grievance-redressal mechanism for international students would help resolve concerns at an early stage and give students greater confidence in raising genuine grievances.