Bengal colleges to admit Ukraine-returned students

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday declared to accommodate students from the state who had to leave their studies in Ukraine due to the Russia-Ukraine war while blaming the Central government for not taking any responsibility for these students.

Addressing a press conference at the state secretariat in Nabanna, Banerjee said that it is not possible for these students to spend a huge amount again for their education in another foreign country.

"Two months on, the Central government has not yet taken any responsibility for the students who have returned from Ukraine. They have just asked the students to go to Poland and Hungary for their studies.

But we have chalked out an idea as it is not possible for the students to spend a huge amount again for their education in another foreign country. The Chief Secretary, education secretary, medical health secretary have all been part of the plan," she said.

According to the West Bengal government, a total of 422 people were brought back to West Bengal from Ukraine. Out of which, 412 are medical students409 MBBS students and three Dental students. Total of six Engineering students and one Veterinary student. Along with the students, there were three labourers.

After a meeting of the state official and Ukraine returned students on March 16, CVs along with all other particulars from the returnees were collected and shared with the concerned Departments for their admission. For Sixth-year medical students, a total of 23 students, will be allowed to undergo an internship at Government Medical Colleges as per norms.

For the Fifth year and fourthyear students (43+ 92 = 135), students will be allowed to undergo

'Observing seats' at different medical colleges in a distributed manner i.e., 15-20 students per college, said the Chief Minister.