Nishar Mohammed & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 10: The Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC) on Monday strongly criticised the decision to affiliate island colleges with a newly created deemed university, calling the move “non-transparent” and harmful to the academic future of local students.
The press conference was addressed in detail by Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee, ANTCC, and Chairman of the TSG Foundation.
Addressing the media, Mr. Bhasker asserted that the introduction of the deemed university was being used to divert attention from pressing issues such as water shortages, power concerns, employment reservations and infrastructure projects. He argued that the lack of transparency, inadequate faculty strength and insufficient infrastructure in the proposed institution could adversely affect the quality of higher education in the islands. He also expressed apprehension that local students—many of whom come from economically weaker backgrounds—may face greater financial and academic uncertainty under the new system.
Highlighting the ongoing student protests at JNRM and other colleges, Mr. Bhasker said the Congress party respects the students’ decision to remain politically unaffiliated while continuing to extend moral and organisational support to their cause.
He further informed that the party is exploring legal options, including the possibility of filing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), after consultations with legal experts. Bhasker maintained that a legal route could provide a time-bound framework for addressing the issue, including seeking a stay on the operationalisation of the deemed university until wider stakeholder consultations are held.
Concluding the interaction, ANTCC leaders reiterated their solidarity with students and parents, urging unity among civil society organisations, educational stakeholders and island residents to ensure that decisions affecting higher education are taken with transparency and broad-based consultation.
