Sri Vijaya Puram, Feb 12: The Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), Andaman & Nicobar Islands expresses its firm solidarity with the students of Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), Andaman Law College, Tagore College, ANIIMS and all other institutions who are peacefully voicing their concerns regarding the sudden transition to a deemed university structure.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands have a unique socio-economic reality. A large section of the student population belongs to rural and economically modest backgrounds, for whom pursuing higher education on the mainland is financially unviable due to high costs of travel, accommodation, and living. For such students, these local government colleges are not merely institutions of learning but the only accessible gateway to higher education. Any policy shift that significantly increases financial burden risks excluding rural and underprivileged students and undermining educational equity in the islands.
We believe that any transformation in the higher education system must be student-centric, transparent and democratic. Decisions that directly affect the academic future of hundreds of students cannot be implemented without proper consultation, clear communication and adequate safeguards. The anxiety among students regarding degree recognition, academic continuity and institutional credibility is genuine and deserves immediate redressal.
SIO Andaman urges the concerned authorities to:
•Engage in meaningful dialogue with student representatives and faculty members.
•Provide written assurances safeguarding the academic interests of current batches.
•Ensure that no student is academically or professionally disadvantaged due to administrative transitions.
•Recognise the unique geographical and economic challenges of the islands while framing higher education policies.
•Uphold the principles of accessibility, affordability and quality in higher education across the islands.
We appreciate the students for keeping their protests peaceful and dignified. Their unity reflects their love for education and their commitment to a better future. SIO Andaman will continue to stand beside them and support every democratic and constitutional effort until a fair solution is reached.