Amid the continuing student agitation over higher education policy in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, senior Congress leader and MP TSG Bhasker has indicated that the dispute surrounding the proposed deemed university framework could ultimately be decided in court if administrative and political efforts fail to resolve the issue.
In an exclusive interaction with The Wave Andaman, Bhasker suggested that judicial scrutiny could become inevitable, noting that courts rely primarily on affidavits and official records submitted before them rather than independent fact-finding. He underlined that affidavits carry legal weight and that submitting incorrect or misleading information has consequences under law, indicating that any future legal outcome would depend largely on the documentary evidence placed on record.
The comments come at a time when student protests across the islands continue to demand clarity on the future academic structure of government colleges, particularly amid concerns over the proposed transition from affiliation-based systems to a deemed university model. Bhasker’s remarks signal growing apprehension that the debate, currently being fought on administrative and political grounds, may move into the legal domain.
While discussing the academic implications of such transitions, Bhasker referred to Dr B R Ambedkar Institute of Technology as an example of an institution that moved into a deemed university framework. He pointed to enrolment figures to illustrate what he described as the current situation at the institute, stating that earlier batches in certain courses had around 40 to 60 students, while present enrolment levels have reportedly declined to approximately 14 to 15 students. He cited this comparison in the context of concerns over academic sustainability and student prospects following such institutional changes.
Bhasker also raised questions about the regulatory environment governing higher education, referring to what he described as the present condition of the University Grants Commission. His remarks reflected scepticism about whether the existing regulatory framework is equipped to ensure quality and stability if a deemed university is introduced in the islands without structural safeguards.
He made it clear that he does not support the introduction of a deemed university in its current proposed form. While indicating that he has alternative ideas on how higher education development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands could be approached, Bhasker did not elaborate on the specifics, stating only that different models merit consideration.
The student agitation, which has seen protests and public mobilisation, centres on fears that changes in affiliation and governance could adversely affect academic recognition, faculty strength, admissions and future career prospects. Protesters have sought formal assurances and transparency from authorities regarding the long-term roadmap for higher education in the islands.
Bhasker maintained that the issue remains under active debate and that the path forward would depend on how authorities respond to the concerns raised by students and stakeholders. He reiterated that if administrative clarity is not achieved, legal scrutiny could emerge as a decisive factor, with the final outcome hinging on official submissions and records rather than political claims.
As the agitation continues, the possibility of the matter reaching the judiciary adds another layer of complexity to a debate that has already become one of the most closely watched education policy issues in the islands in recent years.
