The CPI (M) has submitted a memorandum to the Home Secretary, urging for permanent solutions to power shortages and improvements in education in the and .
Port Blair, India Jul 17, 2026 ALN: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI (M)) has called for a permanent solution to the ongoing power cuts affecting the and (A & N). During a recent visit to Delhi, D. Ayyappan, the CPI (M) A & N State Secretary, submitted a memorandum to the Home Secretary of India, urging the government to enhance the power sector in the region. The party emphasized the need to treat this union territory as a special category to address the persistent power disruptions and meet the growing demands of the local population.
The and , an archipelago comprising over 500 , have long faced challenges in power generation and distribution. The geographical isolation and limited infrastructure development have compounded the difficulties in ensuring a reliable power supply. The CPI (M) has previously submitted detailed proposals to the Ministry of Power and the A & N Administration aimed at increasing power generation in the region. However, the party expressed disappointment over the lack of concrete actions taken to mitigate the power shortfall and the resulting outages. Ayyappan appealed for the Home Secretary's intervention to resolve these critical issues.
The power crisis in the and is not merely a matter of inconvenience; it has significant implications for the local economy, public health, and overall quality of life. Frequent power cuts disrupt daily activities, affect small businesses, and hinder the functioning of essential services such as hospitals and schools. The region's dependence on diesel generators, due to limited renewable energy sources, contributes to high operational costs and environmental concerns. As the local population grows and tourism continues to develop, the demand for a stable power supply becomes increasingly urgent.
In addition to power issues, the CPI (M) has also demanded that the and Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS) be operated on a permanent basis. The party called for the creation of permanent faculty and staff positions, highlighting that the only medical college in the region has been functioning temporarily since its establishment in 2015. Currently, faculty members are appointed on a contract basis, which leads to instability as they often leave for permanent positions in mainland medical colleges.
The situation at ANIIMS is concerning, as the lack of permanent faculty not only affects the quality of education for medical students but also has repercussions for patient care. Ayyappan pointed out that the GB Pant Hospital, which is affiliated with ANIIMS, suffers from a lack of sufficient staff, equipment, and essential medical facilities, such as MRI machines and adequate supplies. This situation adversely affects both the students at ANIIMS and the patients receiving care at the hospital. The CPI (M) has underscored the need for a robust healthcare framework to ensure that residents of the have access to quality medical services.
The demand for a permanent faculty at ANIIMS is critical for several reasons. First, it would ensure continuity in medical education, allowing students to build long-term relationships with their instructors and mentors, which is vital in the field of medicine. Second, permanent faculty members are more likely to invest in the institution and its students, contributing to research and community health initiatives that can improve overall healthcare in the region. Lastly, a stable faculty can help in establishing ANIIMS as a reputable institution, attracting more students and enhancing the quality of medical education in the and .
The CPI (M) Secretary informed the Home Secretary that a proposal for the creation of 650 various posts for ANIIMS is currently pending with the Government of India. The party urged immediate action to ensure the institute can operate effectively and provide quality education and healthcare services. The delay in approving these posts has raised concerns among students and faculty alike, who fear that the lack of permanent staff will hinder the growth and reputation of the medical college.
Furthermore, CPI (M) has raised concerns regarding the affiliation of all seven colleges in the and with Pondicherry University. The party has requested that this affiliation be maintained until a central university dedicated to the is established. Ayyappan criticized the imposition of a Deemed University on the islanders, stating that the existing colleges have been brought under this new system through a gazette notification, a practice that is unprecedented in any state or union territory in India. This transition has sparked a debate about the implications for educational standards and governance in the region.
There has been significant public outcry regarding the decision to affiliate the colleges with the Deemed University, leading to protests organized by student groups such as the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), National Students' Union of India (NSUI), and Students' Federation of India (SFI). The CPI (M) expressed concerns that the quality of higher education may decline under the new system and that tuition fees could increase, making education less accessible for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The party's apprehensions are rooted in the belief that the Deemed University model may prioritize profit over educational quality, thereby undermining the interests of local students.
Ayyappan emphasized that there has been no demand from the local community for the establishment of a Deemed University or for the disaffiliation of existing colleges from Pondicherry University. The CPI (M) remains committed to advocating for the rights and needs of the islanders in these critical areas. The party's stance reflects a broader concern regarding the autonomy of educational institutions and the need for local representation in decision-making processes that affect the future of education in the and .
The implications of the CPI (M)'s demands extend beyond immediate relief; they touch upon the broader themes of governance, self-determination, and the right to quality education and healthcare for all citizens, particularly those living in remote regions. As the party continues to advocate for these changes, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these longstanding challenges faced by the and .
In conclusion, the CPI (M) has made significant demands regarding both power supply and educational stability in the and . The party's memorandum to the Home Secretary highlights the urgent need for government intervention to address these pressing issues and ensure a better future for the residents of the . The ongoing struggles of the local population for basic amenities such as reliable power and quality education underscore the critical need for targeted policies and investments in infrastructure that can lead to sustainable development in this unique and strategically important region of India.
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