The demand for the establishment of a Tribal University in Tripura has taken a significant step forward after the Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram, officially forwarded the proposal to the Ministry of Education for further action.
The move comes in response to a D.O. letter dated 8th August 2025, sent by Shri Bikash Debbarma, Minister of Tribal Welfare, HH & Statistics, Government of Tripura. In the letter, Debbarma had urged the Union Government to consider setting up a Central Tribal University in Tripura to address the growing educational needs of tribal communities in the state.
In a communication issued on 9th September 2025, Jual Oram confirmed that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs had carefully examined the request and subsequently referred the matter to the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education. He explained that the establishment of a Central Tribal University falls directly under the mandate of the Education Ministry, which has now been asked to take the necessary steps to move the proposal forward.
Earlier, an Office Memorandum issued on 29th August 2025 by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (TRI & Media Division) had also outlined the objectives of the proposed university. According to the memorandum, the Tribal University in Tripura would be designed to focus on regional development, skill enhancement, employment generation, inclusive education, and preservation of tribal heritage. It further clarified that while the initiative is a priority for tribal welfare, the final authority for implementation lies with the Ministry of Education.
The proposal is being viewed as a landmark initiative for expanding higher education opportunities in Tripura and the Northeast. Leaders and officials believe that the establishment of a Tribal University will not only address the educational aspirations of the state’s tribal population but also contribute significantly to economic development by providing skill-based education and creating employment opportunities.
Educationists in the region have welcomed the development, noting that a dedicated Tribal University in Tripura could strengthen research, cultural studies, and capacity building, while also serving as a hub for preserving indigenous traditions and knowledge systems. With a large tribal population and a growing demand for higher education facilities, such an institution is expected to bridge critical gaps in accessibility and inclusivity.
The proposal’s referral to the Ministry of Education marks a critical step in the approval process, raising hopes that the project could soon receive formal consideration at the national level. If implemented, the Tribal University will stand as a milestone for Tripura, offering new avenues for academic growth while safeguarding the cultural heritage of its tribal communities.