Nishar Mohammed
Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 27: The Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC) today launched a sharp attack on the local administration and the BJP leadership over the proposed conversion of seven government colleges in the islands into a Deemed University structure, calling the move “anti-student” and “anti-poor.”
Addressing a press conference, ANTCC President Mr. Rangalal Halder said the student agitation against the Deemed University proposal has now entered its 25th day, with college students continuing their peaceful protest across the islands. He stated that despite sustained demonstrations, candle marches, and even an Andaman Bandh on the 16th of this month, the administration has failed to respond meaningfully to the concerns raised by students and parents.
Mr. Halder questioned the rationale behind bringing seven existing colleges—currently affiliated with Pondicherry University—under a Deemed University framework. “The economic condition of the people in the islands does not permit such an experiment,” he said. “Today, under the Central University system, a semester fee may range around ₹3,000 to ₹4,000. Under a Deemed University, fees could rise dramatically—₹40,000, ₹50,000, even ₹1 lakh or more per semester. How will children from poor and middle-class families afford this?”
He emphasized that a large section of island families survive on modest daily incomes, especially in inter-island regions where earnings may not exceed ₹400–₹500 a day. “Many students work part-time during vacations just to pay their annual fees. Are we pushing them out of higher education?” he asked.
The ANTCC president also accused the local BJP leadership and the sitting Member of Parliament of taking contradictory positions. He alleged that while public assurances were made that students’ interests would be protected, there had been no concrete effort to halt the implementation process. Referring to reports that opinions had been sought before the notification, he demanded transparency regarding who had endorsed the move.
He alleged that a police inspector and a constable were transferred after attempting to maintain law and order during a demonstration outside the party office. The protest had reportedly been organized by BJP workers, during which an effigy was burned near the Congress Bhavan. According to Congress representatives, the police personnel on duty acted responsibly to prevent escalation and maintain peace. However, shortly after the incident, transfer orders were issued against them.
Party leaders termed the move “deeply unfortunate” and claimed it sends a negative signal to the entire police department. They argued that officers performing their duty impartially should not face punitive action. “If an officer ensures peace and is transferred for it, what message does it give? It creates fear and undermines morale within the force,” a senior Congress leader said.
Mahila Congress President Mrs. Zubaida Begum echoed similar concerns, stating that students have conducted all protests peacefully, including a candle march from Flag Point to Tiranga Park. She thanked NGOs, traders, transport operators, and members of various political parties—except the BJP—for supporting the movement. “When children who should be holding pens are forced to sit on the streets demanding their rights, it is a matter of shame for any administration,” she said.
ANTCC spokesperson Mr. Tamil Selvam raised questions about transparency in the proposed Deemed University structure. He pointed out the absence of adequate infrastructure, qualified faculty, and clarity on governance mechanisms. “Who will fix the fee structure? Who will conduct examinations? Who will evaluate answer scripts? What will be the long-term validity of degrees?” he asked, warning that any dilution in academic standards could jeopardize students’ career prospects in other states or abroad.
District Congress President Mr. John Robert further criticized what he termed as “post-notification consultation,” saying that visiting colleges now to ask students whether they prefer a Deemed or Central University was “meaningless” after decisions had already been set in motion. He urged the MP to raise the issue in Parliament and seek immediate intervention from the Union Education Ministry.
The Congress leaders concluded by reiterating their commitment to support the students’ movement until the proposal is withdrawn. They appealed to the Lieutenant Governor and the administration to initiate dialogue and restore confidence among students and parents across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
