Sri Vijaya Puram, July 30: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has urged the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to immediately enhance the monthly stipend provided to inter-island students pursuing higher education in Sri Vijaya Puram from the existing Rs.1,500 to Rs.5,000.
In a representation submitted to the Secretary (Higher Education), Andaman & Nicobar Administration, ABVP Secretary Satyajit Halder highlighted the financial difficulties faced by students coming from remote islands to pursue higher education in institutions such as JNRM, ANCOL, ALC, TGCE, DBRAIT and other higher educational institutions.
ABVP pointed out that the existing stipend of Rs.1,500 per month is highly inadequate considering the rising cost of food, accommodation, transportation, study materials and other basic necessities. In many cases, students’ monthly mess expenses alone exceed the current stipend amount.
The organisation further stated that the stipend was last revised in 2015, when it was increased from Rs.500 to Rs.1,500. Despite more than a decade having passed and the substantial rise in the cost of living, no further enhancement has been made.
ABVP said that several representations have already been submitted to the Administration seeking revision of the stipend. The issue was also discussed with the Previous Director of Education,(Mr. Vikaram Singh) during which the financial difficulties of inter-island students and the demand for enhancement were positively considered. However, according to ABVP, no concrete decision has been taken so far.
ABVP’s Key Demands: Increase the monthly stipend from Rs.1,500 to Rs.5,000, Implement the revised stipend with immediate effect, Introduce a mechanism for periodic revision of the stipend in accordance with inflation and the rising cost of living.
ABVP emphasised that most inter-islands students come from economically weaker families in remote islands and depend on the stipend to meet essential educational and living expenses.
The organisation urged the Administration to take immediate and positive action in the larger interest of students and their education. ABVP also stated that if the long-pending demand remains unresolved despite repeated representations and assurances, students may be compelled to intensify their democratic agitation to safeguard their legitimate rights.
The representation was submitted by Satyajit Halder, Secretary, ABVP Andaman & Nicobar Islands, with copies forwarded to the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and the Chief Secretary, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, seeking necessary intervention.
