Taun Karthick
Port Blair, 25 September 2023
Mr. Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament representing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has called upon the Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to accelerate the construction of two ongoing hostel projects within JNRM (Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya) and ANCOL (Andaman College). The aim is to provide safe accommodation for girl students hailing from various parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in Port Blair.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, the Member of Parliament emphasised the pressing issue of the insufficient hostel facilities available to girl students at JNRM and ANCOL.
Mr. Sharma pointed out that the construction of a 125-bed hostel within the JNRM girls’ campus is nearing completion at approximately 90%, while a 100-bed hostel within the ANCOL campus stands at about 85% completion. However, for reasons yet unknown, these vital projects remain pending, denying students access to much-needed accommodations. Mr. Sharma expressed his concern, stating, “This delay is causing undue stress and inconvenience to our new girl students from remote islands.”
Recognising the urgent need for secure and adequate housing for students, the Member of Parliament has urgently requested the Chief Secretary’s intervention. He has appealed to the Chief Secretary to expedite the finalisation and completion of both the under-construction hostels at JNRM and ANCOL at the earliest possible date.
The completion of these hostels would not only alleviate the housing crisis faced by girl students but also promote education accessibility and inclusivity in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, ensuring a safer and more conducive learning environment for all.