The Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration proposed to introduce three years Under Graduate and one year Diploma Programmes from the upcoming Academic Year 2021-2022 with the affiliation of Pondicherry University.

Accordingly, based on the proposal, on behalf of Pondicherry University, NOC has been issued to Lakshadweep Administration for affiliation of New three years Under Graduate Vocational courses in Tourism & Service Industry & Soft Ware Development and one year Diploma course in Catering and Hospitality at the proposed new Vocational Degree College at Kadmat Island, Lakshadweep and one year Diploma courses in Marine Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Mechanical Engineering to be introduced at Minicoy Islands, Lakshadweep from the current Academic Year 2021-2022. All these courses will have an intake of 30 seats each.

Professor Gurmeet Singh, Vice Chancellor, Pondicherry University was the Chief Guest and presented No Objection Certificates to Shri Vijendra Singh Rawat, IAS, Secretary, Department of Technical Education & Skill Development, Union Territory Administration of Lakshadweep Administration taken at the policy level by the University for affiliation of such Vocational UG and Diploma Courses at Lakshadweep Islands by the Administration.

On this ceremony after issuing the NOC to the Officials concerned, Professor Gurmeet Singh, Vice Chancellor said it is gratifying that Pondicherry University continues to be one of the leading Universities in the World in the rankings particularly on Research activities. PU, a NAAC – A ranked accredited Central University, also ranked among the top 1000 Universities in the QS World University Ranking 2022 and NIRF Central University Ranking - 9. He also said after independence, first time in India, Pondicherry University has introduced such new Vocational Courses for the welfare of Tribal Students. He also appealed the youth residing such Islands to make use of the educational opportunities offered by the University.

This is great step towards the development of the Lakshadweep lslands which need a great deal of attention on Higher Education as well as Job oriented courses. This mile stone achievement which is the land mark improvement in the Educational Scenario of Minicoy and Kadmat Islands has been possible because of the able leadership and vision of Professor Gurmeet Singh, VC, PU.

On this special occasion, Dr. S. Balakrishnan, Director, Studies, Educational Innovation & Rural Reconstruction, Professor Chandra Sekhara Rao, Dean, College Development Council, Dr Chithra, Registrar, and Shri Rajkumar, Nodal Officer for Andaman and Nicobar Islands Centre of Pondicherry University and Professor Sivararadje, Pondicherry Technical University, Government of Puducherry were also present.