India is warning its students against going to Pakistan for higher education as it will not recognize any degree obtained from a Pakistani institution.
The dire warnings came from India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). In a statement, the higher education regulators urged Indian students to not enroll themselves in any Pakistani educational institution. Moreover, UGC and AICTE warned that Pakistani degree holders will not receive jobs either.
“All concerned are advised not to travel to Pakistan for pursuing Higher Education”, UGC and AICTE said in a joint statement.
“Any Indian national/Overseas Citizen of India who intends to take admission in any degree college/educational institution of Pakistan shall not be eligible for seeking employment or higher studies in India on the basis of such educational qualifications (in any subject) acquired in Pakistan,” they further added.
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On the other hand, the regulators said that migrants with Pakistani educational degrees and Indian citizenship can be considered for jobs in India. However, first, they need to get clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Pakistani Degrees not allowed in India 🕉 pic.twitter.com/yEORNOjxax
— Kuldeep Kumar (@Kuldeep28084748) April 23, 2022
Tense relations
India and Pakistan have always shared tense relations. With growing youth populations and a common cultural heritage, relations between the two countries may very well depend on how younger generations perceive the other side. However, with such restrictions, this may become difficult.
Interestingly, India posed similar restrictions for China. Earlier, it cautioned students against pursuing courses in Chinese institutions due to the latter’s travel restrictions. While China offered online courses for the students, the Indian education authorities said they do not recognize online degree courses.
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Important to note, China and India too share strained relations, which intensified after the Ladakh clash. Also, due to Covid-19, China enforced strict travel restrictions which basically barred Indian students from returning to complete their education in China.
However, China recently allowed Sri Lankan students to return, while remaining silent on the fate of Indian students. India on numerous occasions urged China to adopt a non-discriminatory approach. India took the matter up with Chinese authorities both in New Delhi and through its Embassy in China.