Over 150 undergraduate students in Lakshadweep find their futures uncertain as they navigate challenges stemming from the Lakshadweep Administration’s decision to transfer the affiliation of their colleges from Calicut University to Pondicherry University.
The affected students enrolled in various undergraduate programs at the P.M. Sayeed Calicut University Centre in Androth and the Calicut University Centre in Kadmat in 2020. In 2021, after the completion of the first and second semesters, the institutions were rebranded as Government College of Arts and Science, Kadmat, and Government College of Arts and Science, Androth, following the shift in affiliation.
“Although we completed our undergraduate programs under Pondicherry University and passed the exams in September 2023, we have yet to receive our degree certificates. Upon inquiry, we learned that Pondicherry University requires data regarding our first and second semester marks from Calicut University, where we completed our first year. The degree certificates will only be issued once these details are provided,” stated students from the Government College of Arts and Science, Kadmat.
The delay has significantly impacted their future plans, preventing them from enrolling in postgraduate programs. “We have already lost one year, and any further delays will derail our future. Without a provisional or original mark list, we cannot apply for postgraduate programs or seek job opportunities,” they added.
The Lakshadweep unit of the National Students’ Union of India criticized the island administration for hastily shifting the affiliation of the colleges from Calicut University to Pondicherry University. They noted that despite the lengthy wait, the students still have not received their degree certificates.
