An appeal has urged the central government to keep the proposed Deemed-to-be University framework in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in abeyance amid widening student protests over academic affiliation changes, degree credibility and concerns about possible future fee revisions. The representation stresses that students continue to demand a full-fledged Central University rather than restructuring existing government colleges under a newly created deemed institution.
The communication was addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, seeking intervention as demonstrations continue across colleges in the Union Territory.
Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray submitted a representation highlighting the rapid spread of student agitation and requesting that implementation of the Deemed-to-be University proposal remain on hold pending review. The submission notes that he had earlier written to the government seeking reconsideration of the decision and has also requested that the process remain in abeyance while the issue is under government and judicial consideration.
Separately, Campaign Committee Chairman TSG Bhasker of the Andaman Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee appealed for urgent intervention regarding the proposed conversion of existing government colleges into a deemed institution under the name Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Institute of Higher Learning. He stated that the proposal has generated concern among students, parents and the wider public.
According to the representations, all seven government colleges in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands currently remain affiliated with Pondicherry University, described as a Central University with NAAC A+ accreditation and established academic standing. The proposed shift to a deemed university structure has raised apprehension about the perceived academic value and long-term recognition of degrees.
Students have indicated that many chose institutions such as Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences specifically because of their Central University affiliation. They argue that altering the academic framework mid-course without structured consultation may affect confidence in degree credibility.
Operational concerns in certain society-mode institutions were also cited. Reported delays in issuing marksheets at Dr B R Ambedkar Institute of Technology have been highlighted by students who fear similar administrative gaps if more institutions shift under a comparable structure.
Another major concern relates to possible future fee revisions. Although assurances have reportedly been given, students expressed anxiety that a deemed university governing body could revise fee structures later, potentially affecting affordability for economically weaker families.
Some students have suggested that any deemed university, if established, should function independently without compulsorily subsuming existing government colleges. This, they argue, would allow current affiliations to continue until clarity emerges on the longstanding proposal for a Central University in the Islands.
The submissions also refer to earlier efforts around 2015 to establish a Central University that did not materialise and call for transparency regarding that initiative. They emphasise the need for broader consultation before major restructuring of higher education in the territory.
Concerns about regulatory compliance were also raised, with references to norms prescribed by the University Grants Commission and calls for independent scrutiny of compliance claims.
Both appeals caution that proceeding while the matter remains under government consideration and judicial review could create legal complications, disrupt examinations and affect campus stability. Students across multiple institutions have continued peaceful sit-in protests for several days seeking suspension of the affiliation order.
The representations conclude that establishing a Central University would provide stronger academic credibility, national recognition and long-term institutional stability for students in the geographically isolated territory, and urge a consultative resolution to avoid prolonged academic uncertainty.
