Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 04: Dr. J. Arockia Raj, National Member of World Human Rights Protection Commission (WHRPC), has strongly criticised the decision of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to move away from the established academic framework of Pondicherry University and pursue the creation of a Deemed University in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Dr. Raj stated that the move raises serious questions about academic integrity, governance, and accountability, and appears to be a calculated attempt to bypass mandatory educational standards rather than strengthen higher education in the Islands.
“For several years, Pondicherry University has repeatedly pointed out serious shortcomings in Administration-run colleges, including lack of adequate infrastructure, shortage of permanent teaching staff, and absence of essential academic and research facilities. These observations were made through formal notices and inspections, and they reflect fundamental compliance requirements,” Dr. Raj said.
He noted that despite repeated directions from the affiliating university, the Administration failed to address these deficiencies. Instead of investing in infrastructure development, recruiting qualified permanent faculty, and strengthening academic facilities, the Administration has chosen to disengage from regulatory oversight.
“This is not educational reform; it is regulatory avoidance. When institutions fail to meet standards, the solution is improvement—not dilution,” he asserted.
Dr. Raj expressed deep concern over the fact that the proposed Deemed University does not even have an independent campus of its own, calling it a deeply troubling development.
“A university without its own campus, without sufficient faculty strength, and without a proven academic ecosystem cannot be expected to deliver quality education or nationally credible degrees. Such an arrangement risks hollowing out higher education in the Islands,” he warned.
Highlighting the impact on students, Dr. Raj said the decision places thousands of students at risk by creating uncertainty over degree recognition, academic continuity, and future prospects for higher education and employment.
“Students should not become collateral damage for administrative failures. Degrees earned under uncertain and weakened institutional frameworks can adversely affect students’ competitiveness at the national and international level,” he added.
The WHRPC has urged the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to immediately reconsider the approach and ensure that any restructuring of higher education is undertaken transparently, in consultation with academic stakeholders, and strictly in compliance with UGC norms. The Commission also demanded clear safeguards to protect the academic interests and degree validity of existing students.
“True educational progress lies in raising standards, not escaping them. Any move that undermines academic accountability ultimately undermines the future of our youth,” Dr. Raj concluded.
