The demand for a Central University in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was raised in the Lok Sabha on Monday, with the islands’ Member of Parliament, Bishnu Pada Ray, making a Zero Hour mention despite not being originally listed to speak.
In what was described as a goodwill gesture, the MP was allowed to present the concerns of the islanders, placing on record opposition to the proposal of establishing a deemed university in the Union Territory. Instead, he urged the Centre to consider setting up a full-fledged Central University.
During his address, Ray highlighted the growing sentiment among residents, referring to a peaceful protest and bandh held on February 16 that, he said, reflected a unified stand across the islands in favour of a Central University. The demonstration, he noted, was a significant expression of public opinion on the issue.
The MP drew attention to the broader national context, stating that the government has established nine Central Universities up to 2021, including in Union Territories such as Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. He argued that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, despite their strategic and developmental importance, continue to lack a similar institution.
Ray further emphasised the aspirations of the islands, describing them as being at a “cross-junction” with the potential to evolve into major global hubs comparable to leading international cities. In this context, he underlined the need for robust higher education infrastructure to support long-term growth and human resource development.
He also requested that until a Central University is established, academic arrangements under Pondicherry University, which currently affiliates colleges in the islands, should be continued to ensure academic continuity for students.
The issue of higher education in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has remained a subject of discussion in recent months, particularly with the proposal to grant deemed university status to the institutions in the region.
The Zero Hour mention brings renewed focus to the debate, especially as it places the matter directly before the central leadership.
For now, the demand signals a clear preference among sections of the island population for a Central University model, even as the government continues to evaluate options for expanding higher education infrastructure in the Union Territory.
