Sri Vijaya Puram, July 25: More than a decade after the last revision of financial assistance for government college students in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray has urged the Administration to increase the monthly stipend from the existing Rs.1,500 to at least Rs.4,000, citing rising living costs and the growing financial burden on students pursuing higher education.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Ray sought immediate action on the long-pending proposal, arguing that the current stipend no longer meets the basic educational and living expenses of students. He stressed that many students rely on the financial assistance to continue their studies and manage essential day-to-day costs.
The MP recalled that he had first raised the issue on October 25, 2025, while highlighting several concerns related to Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), including the need to revise the student stipend. According to the letter, the Secretary (Education), through a communication dated December 11, 2025, had informed him that the proposal to enhance the stipend was under process and would be placed before the Administration for consideration.
Ray, however, pointed out that more than nine months have passed since that communication, yet no decision has been conveyed and no update has been provided on the status of the proposal. He said the prolonged delay has placed students under considerable financial strain, particularly as the cost of essential goods and services has continued to increase.
Highlighting the impact of inflation, the MP said students now face significantly higher expenses on food, accommodation, transportation, books, study materials and other necessities. He argued that the existing monthly stipend of Rs.1,500 has become inadequate and no longer serves the purpose for which it was introduced.
Ray also noted that the stipend was last revised in 2015, when it was increased from Rs.1,000 to Rs.1,500. Despite the passage of more than 11 years since that revision, no further enhancement has been made. He described the continued delay in revising the amount as unfortunate and said it was not in the welfare interest of the student community.
The MP requested the Administration to accord top priority to the matter and approve an increase in the stipend to at least Rs.4,000 per month for students studying in JNRM, Andaman College, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT), Mahatma Gandhi Government College, Mayabunder, Mahatma Gandhi Government College, Campbell Bay, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Government Polytechnic/Law College and other government educational institutions across the Islands.
He expressed hope that the Administration would take an early and positive decision to provide meaningful financial support to thousands of students, enabling them to continue their higher education without undue economic hardship.
