MP Bishnu Pada Ray raised urgent concerns over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ higher education during Zero Hour in Parliament, highlighting widespread unrest over the establishment of a Deemed University instead of a full-fledged Central University.
He stated that replacing the proposed Central University with a Deemed University has triggered protests among students, teachers, parents, and residents. The islands currently have seven degree colleges affiliated with Pondicherry University. Between 2015 and 2018, the Union Territory Administration proposed a Central University to address geographic isolation and logistical challenges. An expert committee from the University Grants Commission (UGC) had recommended establishing a Central University to meet the islands’ unique educational needs.
The Ministry of Education later advised the administration to consider a Deemed University, citing legislative requirements for a Central University. In March 2024, the Lieutenant Governor issued a notification for a Deemed University without consulting MPs, Panchayat representatives, or student communities. The decision has sparked continuous protests, culminating in the “Andaman Bandh” on February 16, 2026. Critics argue that democratic principles are being overlooked as repeated representations from residents remain unaddressed.
Between 2014 and 2021, eight Central Universities were established across states and Union Territories, including Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, and Ladakh. Other UTs such as Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Puducherry already host Central Universities. Observers note that the lack of a Central University in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, administered directly by the central government, remains unexplained.
Ray urged the government to reconsider the decision, align it with the UGC expert committee’s recommendations, and maintain current college affiliations with Pondicherry University until a Central University is established to safeguard students’ academic interests.
Separately, Ray met Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to raise serious infrastructure concerns. He highlighted multiple stretches of the National Highway from Baratang to Diglipur where poor-quality work, large potholes, and slow progress on the Middle–Baratang bridge have compromised road safety. He also pointed to administrative gaps in NHIDCL, including insufficient field supervision due to the absence of dedicated Project Managers and General Managers, which have delayed project completion and caused public inconvenience.
Ray requested urgent intervention to expedite highway works, strengthen monitoring, and deploy an expert team to inspect ongoing projects. He also sought early sanction of the ₹123.92 crore CRF Batch-II proposal submitted by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration. Gadkari assured that the concerns would be addressed on priority, with measures to accelerate works, enforce quality standards, and restore safe and reliable National Highway connectivity.
The combined issues of higher education and infrastructure highlight the unique challenges faced by island residents due to geographic isolation and administrative constraints. Ray’s parliamentary and ministerial engagements underscore the urgent need for responsive governance and effective policy decisions that address both academic and civic needs in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
