By: Uditaa Barman
The citizens of Andaman and Nicobar are requesting a reconsideration of the proposal for a deemed university. Despite facing significant opposition, the proposal is still being pursued. Since 1988, all institutions offering higher education in the region have been affiliated with Pondicherry University.
Several sources allege that the proposed deemed university is being established in violation of several rules and regulations. If established, it would bring all colleges across Andaman and Nicobar under its umbrella. Additionally, it is claimed that officials have not consulted stakeholders regarding this project.
“The colleges in Andaman were initially affiliated with Punjab University. Due to terror attacks in Punjab and delays in conducting exams in Andaman, the colleges were affiliated with Pondicherry University in 1988. The Pondicherry University Act, passed in 1985 under Rajiv Gandhi, enabled this affiliation. Reopening this matter is unnecessary. As a centrally sponsored Union Territory, Andaman and Nicobar should have its own university established by Parliament, not through backdoor methods. This proposal seems rushed.” Said Mr. D. Ayyapan, Secretary CPI(M), to Andaman Sheekha when inquired on this topic.
Mr. D. Ayyapan further added, “The Legal Society, initially set up to establish a law college, has been repurposed to create this deemed university, which is a drastic downshift in authority and not the proper method. Several issues arise with this deemed university. The seven existing colleges in Andaman are listed as ‘constituent units,’ not ‘affiliated bodies,’ ending their affiliation with Pondicherry University and risking students’ futures. Pondicherry University provided essential academic resources, which the new deemed university will struggle to match due to a lack of qualified staff. Only the medical college has professors on a contractual basis, and the deemed university will not find sufficient qualified staff, leading to potential collapse and numerous complaints. Proper discussion has been avoided.
A significant concern is the potential increase in fees. Currently, semester fees range from Rs 500 to Rs 1000. The deemed university may initially be government-sponsored, but funding could be cut, leading to higher fees and disproportionately affecting students from impoverished backgrounds. Moreover, Staff members have lost their status as government workers, along with associated benefits which come along with it. Degrees from this deemed university may not be recognized by many institutions, causing major problems for graduates.
The long-term consequences of this act will be significantly disastrous. This deemed university has more cons than pros. The CPI(M) has always opposed this project,”
Mr. Siddhanth Rai Sharma, Secretary of ABVP, told Sheekha that the Akhil Bharti Vidhyarthi Parishad has long discussed a deemed university project for Andaman and Nicobar, but after heavy discussion with the cabinet, it opposes the idea of the deemed university. Specialized degrees may leave graduates unemployed due to limited local job opportunities. Instead, offering master’s or research-level courses in existing subjects would prove be more beneficial.
The deemed university would initially rely on government funding, leading to inevitable fee increases. Unlike Pondicherry University, whose degrees are widely recognized, a deemed university’s degrees may lack credibility. This will inevitably affect the education rates of the individuals suffering from poverty.
The islands also lack qualified staff for teaching and administration. Developing a comprehensive syllabus for specialized courses is another challenge. Therefore, ABVP prefers establishing a central university, which, though a longer process, will not only make the islands an educational hub, but also be a centre of attraction for educational tourism. This will not only boost the education sector of these islands but also add to the overall economic growth in the Andaman and Nicobar. ( The writer is a student of Mass Communication and PR. She is presently doing her internship at Andaman Sheekha, English Daily)
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