Dubious institutions in Aus ruin lives of young Indians: EAM

Melbourne, Aug 10 (PTI) External Affairs Minister S M
Krishna has said some "dubious" educational institutions in
Australia were ruining the lives of young Indians and asked
Canberra to come out with new regulations to cover private
colleges to undo the damage.

He also said "physical attacks" on Indian students in
Australia and the poor quality of courses and services offered
in many vocational colleges were of concern to India.

"I think they (vocational colleges) are not only
bringing a bad name to Australia but they are destroying the
future of the younger generation of Indian students," Krishna,
who is here on a visit, told 'The Australian' newspaper.

He also called for new regulations to cover private
colleges and continued reform by the federal and state
governments.

However, Krishna also praised Canberra and state
governments for responding to India's concerns. He said the
damage to Australia's reputation in India need not be long
term.
"The Australian and (state) governments have quickly
moved in and started undoing the damage by a series of
measures taken to dispel any notions of insecurity felt by the
Indian student community," he said.

"I would want the tempo to be maintained so that
signals are constantly flowing to India, so that governments
are constantly responding to meet our concerns," Krishna, who
met Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his counterpart Stephen
Smith during his visit, said.

"Some dubious educational institutions have lured
gullible Indian students into joining some of these
institutions. There is a big gap between the quality of what
has been promised and what has been delivered," Krishna said.

"Some colleges have closed down but full-time fees
have been collected from these students and they are left high
and dry. So they are wandering around the streets of Sydney
and Melbourne and they are a cause of consternation for
India," he said.

"Perhaps there is case for a new regulatory regime to
be put in place as far as these private education providers
are concerned," the Minister said.

Asked whether India and Australia are working to
formalise a security co-operation framework during Rudd's
visit to New Delhi this year, Krishna said he can neither
confirm nor deny.

"India is desirous of expanding its relationship with
Australia," he said. Specifically on security, he commented:
"We need these technologies from Australia."

Krishna also emphasised India and Australia's common
interest in the maritime security of the Indian Ocean, and was
upbeat about the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement between
India and Australia, without formally endorsing the concept,
the newspaper said. PTI