The Spark of Student Agitation in Port Blair

In early February 2026, thousands of students from colleges across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands took to the streets of Port Blair, igniting a widespread protest against the Union Territory administration's plan to disaffiliate seven key colleges from Pondicherry University (PU) and affiliate them to the newly proposed Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Institute of Higher Learning (NSCBIHL), a deemed-to-be university. Led by the Joint Action Forum of All Degree Unions (JAFADU), along with groups like the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and National Students' Union of India (NSUI), the demonstrations included sit-ins at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), candlelight marches, and a historic full bandh on February 16 that shut down businesses, transport, and services even in the remote Nicobar District. This unprecedented public response highlighted deep frustrations with the islands' higher education landscape.

The core grievance revolves around the perceived downgrade from a central university affiliation to a deemed one, which students argue undermines academic credibility, funding stability, and future opportunities. With around 6,000 students participating, the protests underscore a crisis where limited local options force many islanders to migrate to mainland India for advanced studies, incurring exorbitant travel costs amid logistical challenges.

Current Higher Education Landscape in Andaman & Nicobar

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, home to over 400,000 residents spread across 572 islands, face unique barriers to higher education. Only seven undergraduate colleges serve the territory: JNRM, Andaman College (ANCOL), Mahatma Gandhi Government College (MGGC), Tagore Government College of Education (TGCE), Andaman Law College, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT), and Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS). Enrollment hovers around 7,600 students in colleges as of recent data, far below mainland averages, contributing to a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) that lags India's national 28.3% for ages 18-23.

Pondicherry University's Port Blair campus, established in 2007, has been the affiliating body, offering programs in arts, science, commerce, law, education, engineering, and medicine. However, infrastructure deficits, faculty shortages, and limited postgraduate/research options persist. Students often migrate to cities like Chennai or Kolkata for specialized courses, facing flight costs exceeding ₹20,000 one-way— a prohibitive burden for low-income and tribal families comprising much of the population.

This migration exacerbates brain drain, with returnees citing poor job prospects in a tourism-dependent economy. For more on career paths post-graduation, explore higher ed career advice.

The Controversial Shift to NSCBIHL: Deemed University Explained

The NSCBIHL, notified as a de-novo deemed-to-be university under UGC regulations, aims to mentor these colleges toward autonomy. Proponents, including the BJP, view it as aligned with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's push for multidisciplinary institutions and improved quality. The administration promises nominal fees, continued stipends, UT funding beyond initial years, and NIRF/NAAC accreditation.

However, deemed universities differ fundamentally from central ones. Central universities receive direct UGC funding, offer national fellowships (e.g., monthly stipends for PG/PhD), and enjoy broader recognition. Deemed status, often for specialized institutes, relies on self-funding, potentially leading to fee hikes and limited scalability. Students fear NSCBIHL's mentor-mentee model stifles research and expansion, echoing past deemed uni controversies elsewhere in India.

• Limited central grants vs. self-financing
• No automatic UGC scholarships/fellowships
• Potential degree recognition issues abroad/jobs
• Risk of privatization amid NEP's equity goals

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Student Perspectives: Voices from the Frontlines

"We chose ANIIMS because of Pondicherry University's central status; now our degrees are at risk," says a medical student. Engineering aspirants at DBRAIT worry about placements, already strained by isolation. Tribal students highlight cultural disconnects in mainland migration.

JAFADU Convenor Adv. Rakesh Pal Govind asserts, "The fight is for the future generations." Protests feature daily sit-ins post-college hours, ensuring classes resume, balancing activism with studies.

Public and Political Backlash Builds Momentum

The February 16 bandh saw total compliance, a first for Nicobar, with shops, ferries halted. Congress, CPI(M), ANTCC rallied behind students; MP Bishnu Pada Ray demanded a Ladakh-like central university model. Even ABVP members joined unofficially. Petitions on Change.org and social media amplify calls.

This solidarity reflects broader anxieties over equity in remote UTs. For faculty opportunities, see faculty jobs.

Government Assurances and Path Forward

The administration maintains the shift enhances autonomy and infrastructure, with current batch degrees under PU. Consultations continue, but students demand written guarantees and a central university. Plans for High Court challenge and parliamentary representations loom.

Underlying Crisis: Statistics and Migration Challenges

AISHE data shows stagnant enrollment amid India's rising GER. High dropout risks, faculty vacancies (often 30-50%), and course limitations drive 70%+ UG students to mainland for PG. Economic loss: Families spend lakhs annually on travel/hostels.

• 7 colleges, ~7,600 students
• GER below national 28%
• Migration cost: ₹50k-1L per semester
• Tribal GER even lower

NEP 2020 targets 50% GER by 2035, but islands lag without dedicated central funding. Explore scholarships for relief.

NEP 2020 Context and Island-Specific Hurdles

NEP emphasizes equity, multidisciplinary growth, but deemed unis risk privatization in underserved areas. Logistics—storms, connectivity—amplify issues. Solutions: Hybrid models, online via SWAYAM, local scholarships.

Comparative Cases and Lessons from Other UTs

Ladakh's central university model boosted enrollment 40%. Puducherry's own central uni thrives. Andaman could emulate with UGC support.

Photo by Amanda Jones on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Pathways to Resolution

Protests may force policy rethink, potentially hybrid PU-NSCBIHL till full central status. Long-term: Boost infra, faculty via higher ed jobs, digital equity. Students urge stakeholder dialogues.

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