Sri Vijaya Puram, May 6: Bishnu Pada Ray has urged the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to ensure the continuation and extension of engagement of Guest Lecturers in degree colleges across the Islands for the academic session 2026-2027.
In a communication addressed to the Administration, the Member of Parliament highlighted the concerns and grievances raised by Guest Lecturers serving in various higher educational institutions, including Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), Andaman College (ANCOL), Mahatma Gandhi Government College, B.Ed. College, DBRAIT and other institutions across the Islands.
The MP stated that the issue had earlier been taken up with the Administration, following which directions were issued in July 2026 asking colleges to give preference to qualified existing Guest Faculty members during the academic session 2025-2026. As a result, several Guest Lecturers were allowed to continue their engagement.
Shri Bishnu Pada Ray noted that many of the Guest Lecturers have been serving for several years and possess qualifications in accordance with UGC norms. He added that they have gained valuable teaching experience over the years and have maintained satisfactory service records without adverse remarks.
According to the MP, retaining experienced Guest Lecturers is essential to maintaining academic stability and ensuring uninterrupted quality education for students in the Islands.
Highlighting the practical challenges associated with conducting fresh recruitment exercises every year, the MP said repeated empanelment processes lead to administrative delays and affect academic continuity in colleges.
To address the issue, he suggested several measures for consideration by the Administration. He recommended that priority be given to existing Guest Faculty members for continuation or extension of engagement based on their willingness to serve and satisfactory performance, without inviting fresh applications annually.
He further proposed that fresh recruitment should be undertaken only in cases where vacancies remain unfilled or where new requirements arise in colleges. The MP also called for the adoption of a uniform and transparent policy across all higher educational institutions in the Islands to ensure consistency in the engagement process of Guest Lecturers.
In his representation, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray referred to practices followed in institutions such as Law College and ANIIMS and suggested that similar models may be replicated in other colleges to maintain continuity and stability in the academic system.
The MP has requested the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to issue necessary directions to the concerned heads of institutions for the continuation and extension of existing Guest Lecturers for the academic session 2026-2027 and beyond.
He emphasized that the move would be in the larger interest of students and would help strengthen the higher education system in the Islands by ensuring experienced faculty members continue to contribute to academic activities.
