Mallik says students from North and Middle Andaman face difficulties travelling to Port Blair to pursue BBA
03 Sep 2026, Sri Vijayapuram:
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Andaman & Nicobar Islands State President Dr Arun Kumar Mallik has requested the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to introduce a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree course at Mahatma Gandhi Government College (MGGC), Mayabunder, from the 2027–28 academic session.
In a letter dated 3 September 2026 addressed to the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Education/Sports) of the A&N Administration, Mallik said the proposal was aimed particularly at students from North and Middle Andaman District who wish to pursue undergraduate studies in business administration.
BBA currently available in Port Blair institutions
Mallik said the BBA degree course is currently available at ANCOL, while Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM) offers a BBA course in Tourism & Travel Management.
He noted that both institutions are located in Port Blair, South Andaman District. According to his letter, MGGC and the Port Blair institutions offer several similar degree courses, but BBA is not currently available at MGGC.
Mallik argued that students from North and Middle Andaman who want to pursue BBA therefore have to consider moving to or studying in Port Blair.
He said this can be particularly difficult for students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, and claimed that some students may instead opt for general BA, BSc or BCom courses available at MGGC.
Proposal aimed at expanding local higher education
Mallik described BBA as a three-year undergraduate management programme covering areas related to business, commerce and administration.
He argued that the Islands' ongoing development, including infrastructure projects, digital connectivity and eco-tourism initiatives, could create greater demand for management-related skills.
According to Mallik, introducing BBA at MGGC would provide an additional higher-education option for students in North and Middle Andaman and could benefit Islanders, particularly those who may find it difficult to pursue the course in Port Blair.
Request for consideration from 2027–28
Mallik has requested the Education Department to examine the proposal and consider introducing the BBA course at MGGC, Mayabunder, from the 2027–28 academic session.
The letter also refers to MGGC's institutional transition, stating that the college was historically affiliated with Pondicherry University and has transitioned into a constituent college of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Institute of Higher Learning (NSCBIHL). Mallik copied the Vice-Chancellor of NSCBIHL on his request.
Request sent to higher education authorities
The communication was addressed to the Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Education/Sports) and copied to the Vice-Chancellor of NSCBIHL, Director of Education/Sports/Higher Education, Secretary (Education), Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Secretary, among others.
Mallik said he and members of the AAP A&N Islands unit planned to seek a meeting with the Education Secretary to discuss the proposal further.
A proposal, not yet an approved course
The letter represents Mallik's request to the Administration. It does not establish that the BBA course has been approved at MGGC or that admissions will begin from 2027–28.
Any decision would depend on the competent authorities and the institutional process governing introduction of a new degree programme.
Editorial Note: This report is based on Dr Arun Kumar Mallik's representation dated 3 September 2026. The attached Annex 1, described in the email as a letter from another A&N Islander, is referenced in the document but its substantive contents are not reproduced in the available text.