Sri Vijaya Puram, February 13 (PT) The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has partially agreed with the demands of protesting students, stating that there will be no changes to the existing structure and all seven colleges will continue to be affiliated with Pondicherry University for the 2025-26 academic year, officials said on Friday.
For the past few days, several medical, law, and engineering students from leading institutes in the archipelago have been protesting a proposal to convert existing facilities into a deemed university, expressing concerns about academic uncertainty, recognition of degrees, and potential financial implications.
"The administration has already requested the Ministry of Education to continue the affiliation with Pondicherry University for the 2025-26 academic year. There will be no changes to the existing fee structure, as these institutions continue to be funded by the Union Territory Administration," according to an official statement.
All examinations in these colleges for the current academic year will be conducted by Pondicherry University, as per the agreement, and students will receive their degrees from the same university, the statement said.
"The decision was taken to ensure academic continuity, avoid disruption for students, and facilitate a smooth transition in the higher education framework of the Islands," it said.
When asked about the affiliation of the seven colleges after the 2025-26 academic year, Director (Education) Vikram Singh said, "It has not been decided yet, but we are committed to safeguarding the academic interests of students and to ensuring quality higher education in the Union Territory."
Currently, Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, Andaman Law College, Andaman College, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr BR Ambedkar Institute of Technology, Tagore Government College of Education, and Mahatma Gandhi Government College are affiliated with Pondicherry University.
Students are opposing the Centre's plans to change the affiliation to the proposed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Institute of Higher Learning, a deemed university.
"We want clarity and transparency. Any decision affecting thousands of students should be taken only after proper consultation," a student leader said.
Political parties, including the Congress and the CPI(M), have also extended support to the students, along with student unions such as NSUI, ABVP, and SFI.
