MEA can’t bring stranded Indians during lockdown, Centre tells HC
- The report was filed on a plea pertaining to Indian citizens stranded in Bangladesh amid the current crisis of Covid-19
- The petition had said that there were around 580 students stranded in Bangladesh
New Delhi: The central government informed the Delhi high court on Friday that it is not possible for the ministry of external affairs to evacuate Indian nationals from Bangladesh or any other country during the ongoing lockdown.
The Centre is, however, providing all possible help to each and every Indian national, it said through a status report and an affidavit.
The report was filed on a plea about Indian medical students stranded in Bangladesh, which was heard through video conferencing.
The petitioner had also sought the appointment of nodal officers in Indian embassies who could be reached during this global health emergency.
The petition had said that there were around 580 students stranded in Bangladesh.
The Centre, through the status report, informed the court that in addition to the existing nodal officer, the first secretary (education) has been nominated as an additional nodal officer to provide assistance to those stranded.
The Union government said that the officer has contacted one student in each of the colleges mentioned in the list provided by the petitioner.
The principals of the medical colleges have been contacted individually and they have assured the Indian high commission of their full cooperation during this period.
Indian ambassadors are interacting with the Indian community through virtual platforms to provide assistance, the central government told the high court.
The HC disposed of the petition, stating that no further orders are called for. It, however, granted liberty to the petitioner to approach the HC again in case the need arises in future.