Agartala, 2nd October 2026 : Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Friday said that Tripura University has the potential to play an even greater role as a centre of excellence for higher education and research in the Northeast.
“Tripura has a rich cultural heritage, diverse communities, indigenous knowledge systems, biodiversity, and a unique ecological and geographical setting. This provides enormous opportunities for research in areas such as indigenous knowledge, biodiversity, climate resilience, sustainable development, culture, heritage and the history of the Northeast,” the Chief Minister said.
He also encouraged stronger industry-academia collaboration, interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurship, innovation, and national and international academic partnerships.
“A university must not only create knowledge; it must also connect that knowledge with the needs of society. The Government of Tripura is committed to expanding access to quality higher education and bringing opportunities closer to our young people,” he said.
Dr. Saha was addressing the 40th Foundation Day celebration of Tripura University on Thursday.
He said that since 2018, seven new government degree colleges have been established across the state, including institutions at Old Agartala, Panisagar, Ambassa, Kakraban and Korbook, along with Nalchar Government Women’s Degree College and Sri Aurobindo General Degree College, an English-medium institution.
“Tripura has witnessed rapid growth in the higher education sector in its journey towards becoming an academic hub. The state government’s efforts to create an enabling and supportive environment have attracted renowned trusts and organisations interested in establishing universities and contributing to Tripura’s development,” Dr. Saha said.
He said the state has also witnessed greater participation of private institutions in higher education, with four new private universities approved through legislation. Existing institutions are also further diversifying the higher education landscape, he added.
“However, expanding institutions is not enough. We must ensure that students receive the support they need to fulfil their aspirations. In the last one year, 20 Divyangjan students have received special scholarship assistance under the Chief Minister’s Special Scholarship for Divyangjan scheme to pursue higher education in the state. Another scheme, Lakshya, has also been launched, while the Chief Minister’s Special Scholarship is supporting young aspirants preparing for All India Competitive Examinations, including the UPSC,” he said.
The Chief Minister said Tripura is also implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which was introduced in colleges and universities from the 2023-24 academic session. The policy focuses on multidisciplinary education, flexibility, skill development and innovation, he said.
“We are also investing significantly in infrastructure. Major projects are underway at institutions including MBB College, Netaji Subhash Mahavidyalaya in Udaipur, Tripura Institute of Technology and National Law University, Narsingarh. New classrooms, smart classrooms, laboratories and hostel facilities are being developed across the state,” Dr. Saha said.
“These investments are not merely investments in buildings; they are investments in the aspirations of our future young people. Dear friends and students, the world you are entering is changing rapidly. Artificial intelligence, digital technology and new organisational structures are transforming the way we learn and work. But while technology will change, the fundamental values of education will remain,” he said.
“I would like to leave you with three simple words: knowledge, skill and character. Knowledge gives you understanding, skill enables you to apply that knowledge, but character determines how you use both,” he added.
