London: Indian students pursuing their education in British universities can now work in the UK for two years after completing their courses instead of one year as was allowed earlier.

Starting from July 01st, students can seek employment for up to two years under tier 1 of the points-based system (PBS) introduced by the government this year. Under the previous International Graduate Scheme (IGS), they were allowed to stay on only for one year after completion of their studies.

The students will not need a sponsor or a work permit to enjoy the facility. Many self-financing Indian students take up work while studying or after completing their courses to recover the costs. In 2007, almost 22,000 student visas were issued across India, representing a 10% increase over 2006.

The government also announced that from Monday, tier 1 of the PBS will also be extended to include entrepreneurs and investors.

Tier 1 (post-study work) replaces IGS and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme and provides a bridge from study in the UK to highly skilled or skilled work. Under the PBS, applicants need sufficient points to qualify for a visa. Points are awarded for objective criteria such as qualifications, previous earnings, age and UK experience.

Hundreds die of torture in India every year

NEW DELHI: About four people have died or been killed in police custody every day in India between 2002 and last year, a large number tortured to death, the Asian Centre for Human Rights (ACHR) said in its published r4eport last month.

An equal number of people are killed in the custody of the army in insurgency-hit areas, many cases go unreported and the guilty go unpunished, the ACHR said in its report, “Torture in India 2008: A State of Denial.”

“Hundreds are killed, dozens are paid compensation but only three to four persons are convicted each year,” Suhas Chakma of the ACHR said .

“India is in a worrying state of denial about torture.”

In India, the police and security forces are often accused of using violence to extract confessions from suspects, a charge denied by the Indian government.

India’s home ministry says most deaths in custody are caused by illness, suicides and accidents.

The ACHR says India needs to probe all suspected deaths of torture.

The ACHR also accused India’s Maoists, who say they are fighting for poor farmers in the country, of a poor human rights record..