Sri Vijaya Puram, May 14: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has urged the Lieutenant Governor, A&N Islands, to recommend to the Government of India the establishment of a full-fledged Central University in the Islands through an Act of Parliament, instead of proceeding with the proposed “Deemed to be University” model.
In a detailed representation submitted to the Lieutenant Governor on 07.05.2025, the MP stated that he had earlier taken up the matter with the Prime Minister on 09.12.2025 and again through a reminder dated 12.02.2026. He also apprised the Hon’ble Union Minister of Education during a meeting held in February 2026 regarding the strong public demand for a Central University in the Islands.
The MP highlighted that the Government’s proposal to affiliate all seven colleges under a Deemed University framework had triggered widespread concern and dissatisfaction among students, parents and other stakeholders across the Islands. Peaceful dharna protests were organized at various places including JNRM Campus, Sri Vijayapuram and Mahatma Gandhi College, Mayabunder, between 1st and 20th February 2026. An Andaman Bandh was also observed on 16.02.2026 in support of the demand for a Central University.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray further informed that during his visits to various colleges between 20th and 25th February 2026, he interacted with students, faculty members and stakeholders, who unanimously demanded the establishment of a Central University through an Act of Parliament.
Continuing his efforts, the MP again raised the issue before the Prime Minister on 16.03.2026 and also highlighted the matter in the Lok Sabha during Zero Hour on 23.03.2026, urging the Government of India to establish a Central University in the Islands on the lines of similar institutions created in various States and Union Territories in recent years. He also met the Secretary, Ministry of Education, Government of India, Dr. Joshi, on 24th March 2026 and apprised him of the matter.
The MP further stated that he had also addressed representations to the Prime Minister and Home Minister, under intimation to the education minister and the Lieutenant Governor vide his letter dated 16.03.2026. Subsequently, he received an acknowledgement from the Hon’ble Minister of Education on 16.04.2026 informing that the matter had been forwarded to the concerned authorities for appropriate action.
However, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray expressed concern that the reports submitted by the UT Administration to the Government of India did not adequately reflect the genuine aspirations and strong demand of the islanders for a Central University.
Therefore, the MP earnestly requested the Lieutenant Governor to sympathetically re-examine the matter and submit a comprehensive proposal to the Government of India recommending the establishment of a Central University through an Act of Parliament in place of the earlier Deemed University proposal, considering the educational aspirations and future interests of the students and people of the Islands.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray expressed hope that the Administration would extend its support in this important matter concerning the higher educational future of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
