TSG Bhasker, Advisor of the Joint Action Forum (JAF), met Dr. Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), in New Delhi to address ongoing apprehensions surrounding the proposed Deemed University in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Bhasker highlighted concerns raised by local stakeholders, emphasizing potential impacts on the indigenous population and the wider community. The delegation, including members of the Tribal Council, submitted a detailed representation letter outlining objections and recommendations, urging authorities to reconsider the proposal.
Dr. Pankaj Mittal acknowledged the issues presented by the Joint Action Forum and assured that the concerns would be taken up at her level. She advised the delegation to meet officials at the University Grants Commission (UGC) to further discuss the matter and ensure comprehensive review. Following her guidance, Bhasker and the delegation visited the UGC headquarters, engaging officials in discussions about the implications of establishing a Deemed University in the region.
The delegation underscored the need to balance development initiatives with the rights and welfare of the local population, particularly in sensitive areas such as education access, cultural preservation, and tribal participation in policy decisions. They argued that any unilateral decisions regarding higher education institutions could affect local communities and undermine stakeholder confidence.
Through the representation, Bhasker and the Tribal Council urged the AIU and UGC to adopt a consultative approach, ensuring that the voices of local residents and traditional governing bodies are incorporated into policy frameworks. The delegation emphasized transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement as critical to sustainable development in the islands.
The meetings mark a concerted effort by the Joint Action Forum to bring local concerns to national authorities and highlight the potential consequences of educational policies on island communities. Officials at AIU and UGC reportedly welcomed the feedback and promised to consider the submissions carefully while deliberating on the proposal.
The discussions also reinforce ongoing debates about higher education expansion in geographically sensitive and culturally distinct regions, underscoring the importance of balancing national development goals with local priorities.
