By our correspondent

Melbourne: India has no knowledge of its students being jailed in high Risk Detention Centres (Immigration detention) for ‘breching study visa conditions’. The Indian Foreign Minister replying a question from South Asia Times said that “he was not aware of any such detention of Indian students but would look into the matter ”. ‘The Australian’ had in a recent report said that there were 35 overseas students including Indian students in jails for breaching study visa conditions.

“The infringements include not passing subjects and poor attendance – although the Immigration Department insists that none of the detained students was locked up solely for failing to meet course requirements,” the newspaper said.

‘The Australian’ report said it” has established that 19 of those detained are aged between 18 and 21. The average period of detention is 81 days.”

The Indian Foreign Minister S. M. Krishna also said that we will be ruthless with fake education agents exploiting Indian students. He was talking to reporters after meeting a select gathering of Indian community representatives and students.
“ The student crisis needs to be plugged with steps both in India and Australia”, he said.
He said that the Australian Prime Minister is fully conscious of problems facing Indian students in Australia and has pledged to take all possible steps to address the problem. Krishna also stressed the point that Australia should also take necessary steps to improve the living conditions of Indian students.

He also disclosed that the Indian Consulates in Sydney and Melbourne will be open to students each Friday where an education officer will hear and try to help students with their problems.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Indian Students of Australia (FISA) leader Amit Miglani released a eight point charter of demands presented to the Indian Foreign Minister by FISA.

On the question of Australian Uranium supplies to India, the Minister disclosed it was not raised but came up for discussion with Foreign Minister Stephen Smith. The Minister said we understand the Australian position. Australia has said it will not supply Uranium to any country that does not sign the NPT.