Sri Vijaya Puram, July 24: Member of Parliament, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, has strongly urged the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to enhance the monthly stipend being paid to students of Government colleges from the existing Rs.1,500/- to at least Rs.4,000/- per month, considering the steep rise in the cost of living and the financial hardships being faced by students.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, the MP recalled that he had earlier raised the issue on 25.10.2025 while highlighting several concerns relating to Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), including the need for revision of the students’ stipend.
The MP pointed out that the Secretary (Education), through a communication dated 11.12.2025, had informed that the proposal for enhancement of the stipend was under process and would be submitted to the Administration for consideration. However, despite the lapse of more than nine months, no decision has been communicated, nor has any information been furnished regarding the present status of the proposal.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray stated that the prolonged delay has caused serious financial difficulties to students, many of whom depend on the stipend to meet their educational and day-to-day expenses. He observed that due to continuous inflation, the prices of food, accommodation, transportation, books, study materials and other essential items have increased substantially, making the existing stipend wholly inadequate.
The MP further highlighted that the stipend was last revised in 2015, when it was increased from Rs.1,000/- to Rs.1,500/-. Despite the passage of more than eleven years, no further revision has been made. He remarked that the existing stipend of Rs.1,500 per month no longer serves its intended purpose and does not reflect the present economic realities. He described the continued delay in revising the stipend as unfortunate and contrary to the welfare interests of the student community.
Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray has requested the Administration to accord top priority to the matter and consider for enhancement of the stipend from Rs.1,500/- to at least Rs.4,000/- per month for students studying in JNRM, Andaman College, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT), Mahatma Gandhi Government College, Mayabunder, Mahatma Gandhi Government College, Campbell Bay, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Government Polytechnic/Law College, and other Government educational institutions across the Islands.
The MP expressed hope that the Administration would take an early and positive decision in the interest of thousands of students pursuing higher education in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, thereby providing much-needed financial support to help them continue their studies without undue economic hardship.
