Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 23 August 2025
Mr. TSG Bhasker, Chairman of the Campaign Committee of the Andaman & Nicobar Territorial Congress Committee (ANTCC), has expressed serious concern over the recurring non-utilization of quota seats reserved for students of the A&N Islands in Pondicherry Central University and other affiliated institutions across mainland India.
In a letter to the Chief Secretary of the A&N Administration, Mr. Bhasker pointed out that several seats in professional courses including Engineering, Medical, Law and Veterinary Sciences remain vacant every year, either due to lack of awareness or last-minute withdrawals by candidates.
Highlighting the acute shortage of veterinary doctors in the islands, he particularly stressed the need to address vacancies in veterinary courses. “Many eligible students are deprived of pursuing veterinary education simply because they are not informed of the available opportunities,” he noted.
Mr. Bhasker urged the Administration to adopt a proactive mechanism to ensure that all reserved seats are utilized. He suggested measures such as improved outreach, career counselling, and better coordination with the concerned educational institutions.
He also recommended close collaboration between the A&N Administration, Pondicherry Central University, and other mainland colleges to monitor allotments and prevent future vacancies.
Concluding his appeal, Mr. Bhasker emphasized that such opportunities are vital both for the professional growth of island students and for addressing critical service gaps in the Union Territory.
