Sri Vijaya Puram | February 23, 2026
Andaman & Nicobar Islands Member of Parliament Bishnu Pada Ray has sought urgent clarification from the Chief Secretary over a December 24, 2018 file noting that recorded he had been “informed personally when the AN BJP Chief was also present” about the proposal to establish a Deemed University in the Islands.
In a letter dated February 23, 2026, the MP has categorically denied the claim, asserting that he was neither informed nor consulted — formally or informally — before the decision was taken by the Administration.
According to the MP, a note sheet (Page 13) submitted by the Deputy Secretary (Higher Education) to the Secretary (Education) and the Chief Secretary on December 24, 2018, was obtained under the RTI Act by an information seeker.
The note reportedly stated that the Hon’ble Lt. Governor had desired that the proposal regarding establishment of a Deemed University in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands be brought before the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Hon’ble Member of Parliament.
However, instead of formally placing the matter before him, the then Chief Secretary recorded in the file:
“Informed the MP personally when AN BJP Chief was also present.”
Ray has “categorically and unequivocally” denied the above observation, stating that at no point was he informed, consulted, or apprised — either formally or informally — about the proposal or decision to establish a Deemed University in the Islands.
“Neither was my consent sought nor were my views obtained prior to the decision taken by the Administration,” the MP stated in his letter.
He further asserted that the decision was taken unilaterally by the Administration and was subsequently announced by the Prime Minister during his visit to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands on December 30, 2018.
“No consultation was ever held with me in my capacity as the elected Member of Parliament,” he wrote.
To verify the file noting, Ray said he personally spoke with former BJP State President Mr. Vishal Jolly. According to the MP, Jolly “categorically confirmed” that no such discussion ever took place in his presence and that no opinion or views were sought from him in this regard.
Ray has suggested that the Administration may directly verify the matter from Jolly, if deemed necessary.
The issue gains significance in the backdrop of ongoing public demand for continuing current affiliation of colleges with Pondicherry University and subsequently establishment of a Central University instead of a Deemed University in the Islands.
Referring to what he described as a “100% demand of the islanders” for a Central University, Ray stated that he stands with the people’s grievances as a matter of moral responsibility.
However, he claimed that the negative observation recorded in the official file has portrayed his stand as conflicting before the islanders.
In his letter, the MP has reiterated three key points:
- No opinion, view, or consent was ever obtained from him regarding the establishment of the Deemed University.
- No consultation or discussion took place in his presence along with the then State BJP President, as recorded in the file note dated 24.12.2018.
- The observation recorded by the then Chief Secretary is factually incorrect.
He has requested the Chief Secretary to clarify the matter at the earliest and asked that any written communication, opinion, or record purportedly obtained from him or from the then State BJP President be supplied for his perusal.
Copies of the letter have been forwarded to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, and former BJP State President Vishal Jolly.
