Australian authorities propose 24-hr helpline for Indian students

September 25th, 2009 NEW DELHI - John Brumby, the premier of Australian state of Victoria, Friday proposed to give separate transportation and safe housing for Indian students studying in Australia. Union Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi, after a meeting with a nine-member delegation led by Brumby, said: "It is a proposal by the Australian government.

September 6th, 2009 SYDNEY - The Federation of Indian Students of Australia (FISA) on Sunday urged the Australian Government to take steps for the welfare of students who are stranded after the closure of private colleges. The FISA blamed Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard for failing to stop "the spin on the state of affairs" within her portfolio of Education.

August 11th, 2009 NEW DELHI - Australian has assured External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna during his recent visit to that country of taking a number of measures to ensure the safety of Indian students studying there.

July 21st, 2009 NEW DELHI - Australian Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Chris Evans on Tuesday assured quality education to Indian students, following apprehensions over slump in migration after the racial attacks Down Under. Evens, who is currently on a visit to India said this while speaking to media after meeting with Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor in New Delhi on Tuesday.

June 27th, 2009 NEW DELHI - Australian High Commissioner John McCarthy says every possible effort will be made to ensure that attacks on Indian students in Australia are not repeated, adding that the authorities will "pursue those responsible" for the assaults. In a letter to the Non-Aligned Students and Youth Movement (NASYM) that had staged a demonstration here June 18 against the attacks on Indian students in Australia, McCarthy said: "The Australian government will make every effort to ensure that attacks are not repeated and that Australia remains a preferred destination for students from around the world." He said that the Australian government is working closely with the Indian government on the issue.

June 11th, 2009 NEW DELHI - The growing resentment against ongoing racial attacks on Indian students in Australia was witnessed on Thursday when a group of youngsters demonstrated near the Australian Embassy. The protest demonstration was organised by the youth wing of Congress party.

June 9th, 2009 NEW DELHI - External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Tuesday urged Indian students studying in Australia to concentrate on their studies and exercise restraint rather than retaliate. Krishna said, the government had got assurance from the Australian authorities that full care will be taken about safety of Indian students on its soil.

June 9th, 2009 NEW DELHI - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday said his government will engage with Australian authorities in a "high-level dialogue" to ensure the security of Indian students in the wake of what he called "senseless violence" against them. The government also cautioned Indian students in that country to "show restraint" and not retaliate.

June 3rd, 2009 NEW DELHI - Australian universities Wednesday joined their government in condemning the attacks on Indian students in that country. Glen Withers, the chief executive of Universities Australia - a body representing 38 universities, expressed regret at the attacks on Indian students.

May 29th, 2009 BANGALORE - External Affairs minister S. M. Krishna on Friday said that the Australian Government has given it assurance about the safety of Indian students living in Australia.

May 29th, 2009 NEW DELHI/MELBOURNE - The Indian external affairs ministry Friday called Australian High Commissioner John McCarthy and conveyed its concerns over the allegedly racist attacks on Indian students in Melbourne, the second largest city of Australia. N. Ravi, secretary (east) in the ministry, met the Australian envoy and sought assurance about the safety of Indian students in Australia.

May 27th, 2009 NEW DELHI - Condemning allegedly racist attacks on Indian students in Melbourne, the government Wednesday said it will impress upon the Australian authorities that such attacks should not be permitted and the culprits should be brought to justice. "I have been appalled by the attack on our students in Melbourne.

May 22nd, 2009 NEW DELHI - The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) helpline has been flooded with calls from anxious students and parents ever since the class twelfth results for Delhi, Guwahati and Allahabad regions were declared early Friday. One of the main questions - from those who were not able to secure the 33 percent pass percentage in the first go - was when the compartmental exams would be held.

May 20th, 2009 NEW DELHI - The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Wednesday launched telephonic counselling to help students overcome anxiety and stress after the board results. As a part of the board's outreach programme this year, the CBSE started telephonic counselling, interactive voice response system (IVRS) and online counselling through its website.

February 22nd, 2009 BANGALORE - With examinations round the corner, anxious and stressed out students in Karnataka have found a 'saviour' in a special helpline to guide them overcome exam phobia. The helpline has been deluged with calls since it was launched Feb 18.