Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has raised strong concern over the scheduling of multiple college counseling sessions on the same day, July 28, 2025, and has written to the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Vijayapuram, urging immediate intervention.
In his communication to the Chief Secretary, Shri Ray noted that a large number of parents and students have approached him with concerns regarding the counseling dates for various educational institutions. The sessions currently scheduled for the same day include those for admission to Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) for JBT courses, and professional courses under the Administration Quota in mainland colleges.
The MP pointed out that many aspiring students have applied to more than one of these courses, based on their eligibility criteria. However, the simultaneous scheduling of these counseling sessions makes it impossible for students to attend multiple sessions. This, he stated, would result in the loss of academic opportunities for numerous candidates and negatively impact their future educational prospects.
Shri Ray emphasized that this issue could be easily addressed by directing all relevant departments and educational institutions to revise the current schedule. He has requested that the counseling dates be staggered to prevent any overlaps and allow students sufficient time and access to attend all the sessions for which they are eligible.
Highlighting the importance of equal access and transparency, Shri Ray mentioned that such a step would not only avoid confusion and last-minute complications but also ensure fairness in the admission process. According to him, a revised, staggered schedule would serve the broader interest of the student community across the Islands.
He further underlined that the present arrangement, if not amended, might lead to unintended exclusion of eligible candidates from the courses they rightfully deserve a chance to pursue. In light of these concerns, the MP urged the Administration to take swift and thoughtful action.
Shri Bishnu Pada Ray concluded by reiterating that this course correction would uphold the principles of transparency, fair opportunity, and academic inclusivity — vital elements in the holistic development of students from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
