MELBOURNE - External Affairs Minister S M Krishna on Monday asked the Australian Government to regulate the country’s “dubious” private colleges, which are destroying the future of Indian students.

“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,” The Australian quoted Krishna, as saying.

He added that New Delhi was concerned about the “physical attacks” on Indian students in Australia and the poor quality of courses and services offered in many vocational colleges.

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

Krishna, who met Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his counterpart Stephen Smith during his visit, 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 today left for home wrapping up his five-day visit, during which he received assurances from the Australian leadership that the safety and security of Indian students will be protected. (ANI)