Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale on Tuesday assured that concerns surrounding the proposed higher education framework for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands would be discussed with the Union Education Ministry, following issues raised by Sr. Adv. Rakesh Pal Govind during an interaction in Sri Vijaya Puram.
The assurance came during a press conference held at TSG Emerald View, Phoenix Bay, which was attended by Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The interaction was organised as part of Athawale’s visit to the islands on the occasion of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s birth anniversary.
During the interaction with media persons, a concern was raised by senior advocate Rakesh Pal Govind regarding the ongoing debate over the deemed university proposal and the long-standing demand for a full-fledged Central University in the islands. Responding to the issue, Athawale stated that the matter would be taken up with Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education, along with the island MP, for review and re-examination of the government’s decision, keeping in view ground realities and public sentiment.
Ray expressed appreciation for the Minister’s intervention and support on the issue, which has remained a subject of sustained public discussion and student mobilisation in the islands in recent weeks.
During his address, Athawale outlined the philosophy of the Republican Party of India, stating that it follows the principles of Dr B R Ambedkar, with an emphasis on social, economic and educational justice for marginalised sections, including Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, women, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, transgenders and orphans. He said the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment currently serves nearly 80 to 85 per cent of the country’s population.
The Minister also provided an overview of his political career, noting that he is serving as a minister in the Narendra Modi government for the third time. He recalled his earlier tenure in the Lok Sabha during the Congress-led alliance between 1998 and 2009, and his two terms in the Rajya Sabha from 2014 to 2026, adding that his next nomination is scheduled in March for a term extending till 2032. He stated that the Republican Party of India currently has organisational presence across all states and Union Territories.
Highlighting the achievements of the Narendra Modi government, Athawale said India’s global economic position has improved significantly over the past decade, moving from tenth place in 2014 to fourth position globally. He also referred to international trade agreements aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing and employment generation under the Make in India initiative.
The Minister listed several flagship welfare schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and Ayushman Bharat Yojana, citing national-level coverage as well as beneficiary figures from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He also referred to policy measures such as women’s reservation in legislatures and the introduction of a 10 per cent reservation for Economically Weaker Sections.
Athawale emphasised that government welfare programmes are intended to be inclusive and benefit all communities, irrespective of religion, and reiterated the government’s stated commitment to the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”.
As part of his visit, the Minister also participated in a rally marking the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and was scheduled to attend an evening programme organised by the Shivaji Jayanti Utsav Samiti. He noted Shivaji Maharaj’s historical role in resistance and governance, describing the occasion as significant for national unity and cultural remembrance.
The press interaction concluded with Athawale reaffirming his party’s alliance with the BJP and continued support for the current government’s policy direction.
