Staff Correspondent
Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 03: A large group of students from Andaman Law College staged a peaceful protest raising serious concerns over the sudden change in university affiliation and several long-pending administrative issues. The students, joined by parents and supporters, alleged that they were admitted under the affiliation of a reputed Pondicherry central university but were later informed mid-session that their course would be shifted to a deemed university, which they claimed lacks proper infrastructure and recognition in the Islands.
According to the protesting students, the announcement regarding the change was made abruptly during regular class hours without prior written notice or consultation with students or parents. Many first-year students stated that they had chosen the college specifically because of its earlier affiliation with Pondicherry University and that the first semester examinations were also conducted under the same university. They expressed shock and confusion over the mid-academic transition and questioned how examinations for subsequent semesters could be held under a different university.
Students repeatedly demanded a written assurance from the college administration stating that their degrees would continue to be issued under the previously affiliated Pondicherry central university. Protesters said they would continue their sit-in until an official letter is provided on the college letterhead. They emphasized that their agitation was peaceful and urged fellow students not to block roads or disturb public movement, stating that their fight was only for academic clarity and justice.
Several students also highlighted broader infrastructural and administrative issues within the institution. Parents present at the protest voiced anxiety over their children’s academic future, stating that they had trusted the earlier affiliation while taking admission. Some students alleged that they were being discouraged from raising questions and claimed they feared being targeted internally for speaking up.
During the protest, the college principal interacted briefly with the students and media representatives, stating that decisions regarding affiliation are taken at the top level in Administration and not by individual college authorities. He maintained that he was not the final authority to decide policy matters and indicated that official communication would come through proper administrative channels. The response, however, did not fully satisfy the protesting group, who insisted on immediate written confirmation.
