Tripura Chief Minister Professor Dr Manik Saha has said Tripura University has the potential to emerge as a major centre of higher education and research in Northeast India. He made the statement while addressing the university’s 40th Foundation Day celebration on October 2, 2026.
The event took place at the Maharaja Bir Bikram Centenary Building on the university campus. The Chief Minister called for collective efforts to strengthen the institution through research, innovation, entrepreneurship and academic partnerships.
He said the university’s four-decade journey remains closely connected with the growth of higher education in Tripura. He also urged the institution to set ambitious goals for the next 40 years.
The programme brought together Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman, Chancellor Ahmed Javed, Vice-Chancellor Professor Debabrata Das, academicians, researchers and students.
CM Highlights Tripura University’s Four-Decade Journey
Chief Minister Manik Saha said Tripura University has made significant contributions to education, research and knowledge development in the state.
The university began its journey on October 2, 1987, with a limited number of departments. It later gained Central University status through an Act of Parliament in July 2007.
Saha said the institution must now focus on its future development while recognising its achievements.
He expressed hope that stronger national and international cooperation would help the university expand its academic activities. He also highlighted the need to promote entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary research.
According to the Chief Minister, these efforts could help Tripura University develop into a major centre of knowledge and innovation in the Northeast.
Tripura’s Cultural Heritage Offers Research Opportunities
The Chief Minister highlighted Tripura’s rich cultural heritage, diverse communities and unique geographical features.
He said the state’s indigenous knowledge systems, tribal society and biodiversity offer significant opportunities for academic research.
Researchers can explore several areas, including climate resilience, sustainable development, culture, heritage and the history of Northeast India.
Saha stressed that universities should connect research with the needs of society. He said education must go beyond classroom learning and contribute to solving real-world problems.
He also called for stronger coordination between educational institutions and industries.
Interdisciplinary research, innovation and entrepreneurship should form important parts of the university’s future academic strategy.
Seven New Government Degree Colleges Established Since 2018
Highlighting the state’s efforts to expand higher education, Saha said Tripura has established seven new government degree colleges since 2018.
These institutions include colleges at Old Agartala, Panisagar, Ambassa, Kakraban, Karbook and Nalchhar. Sri Aurobindo General Degree College also forms part of this expansion.
The Women’s Degree College at Nalchhar began academic activities during the 2026-27 session.
The Chief Minister also mentioned legislative steps to upgrade Agartala Women’s College into Tripura Government Women’s University.
Similarly, the government has approved the transformation of Tripura Institute of Technology into Tripura State Technical University.
These initiatives aim to expand educational access and create more opportunities for students across the state.
Government Expands Scholarships and Student Support
Saha highlighted several initiatives that support students pursuing higher education.
During the past year, 20 students with disabilities received assistance under the Chief Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme.
The government has also expanded financial support for students preparing for All India Competitive Examinations, including the Union Public Service Commission examinations.
Under the scheme, two additional students received assistance during the past year, taking the total number of beneficiaries to 12.
The Chief Minister also referred to the Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana. Around 140 meritorious girl students have benefited from free scooters under the initiative.
He said the government aims to bring educational opportunities closer to young people and help them pursue their ambitions.
Recruitment and Infrastructure Development in Higher Education
The Chief Minister also discussed faculty recruitment and infrastructure development across Tripura’s higher education sector.
The Tripura Public Service Commission recommended 74 assistant professors for appointment in the first phase. Recruitment for another 126 posts remains underway.
The government has also appointed five principals and approved 200 additional assistant professor posts.
To support competitive examination aspirants, the state is establishing three Tripura Competitive Examination Centres in Agartala, Udaipur and Ambassa.
Saha also highlighted infrastructure projects at MBB College, Netaji Subhash Mahavidyalaya in Udaipur, Tripura Institute of Technology and National Law University.
Several institutions are developing new classrooms, smart classrooms, laboratories and student hostels.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan scheme, infrastructure development work continues at various government colleges.
The government has also approved academic and administrative buildings at selected institutions for the 2026-27 financial year.
National Education Policy 2020 Focuses on Skills and Innovation
Saha said Tripura has implemented the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 across colleges and universities from the 2023-24 academic session.
The policy emphasises multidisciplinary education, flexibility, skill development and innovation.
He highlighted the need to prepare students for a changing employment environment.
Artificial Intelligence and digital technology are transforming education and professional opportunities. Therefore, students must develop skills that complement their academic knowledge.
However, the Chief Minister said education must also preserve its fundamental values.
He urged students to focus on three important areas: knowledge, skills and character.
According to him, knowledge builds understanding, skills help individuals apply what they learn, and character guides their actions.
Higher Education Minister Recalls University Days
Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman, an alumnus of Tripura University, also addressed the gathering.
He recalled his association with the institution and described it as a symbol of the aspirations of Tripura’s people for higher education.
Barman said universities should not limit their role to awarding degrees.
Instead, they must encourage students to think critically, reason independently and make responsible decisions.
He also highlighted the importance of developing a sense of responsibility towards society and the country.
The programme included the felicitation of Barman in recognition of his association with the university.
Tripura University Sets Goals for the Next 40 Years
The Foundation Day celebration marked an important moment in Tripura University’s history.
As the institution enters its fifth decade, the Chief Minister has called for greater attention to research, academic cooperation, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Tripura’s cultural diversity, biodiversity and indigenous knowledge systems offer opportunities for research with regional and wider relevance.
The university’s future development will also depend on stronger industry-academia partnerships and access to modern educational infrastructure.
Saha urged students to become responsible citizens and compassionate human beings.
His address highlighted the role of education in both personal development and social progress.
The 40th Foundation Day thus provided a platform to reflect on the university’s achievements and outline its ambitions for the future. Through continued collaboration and academic expansion, Tripura University aims to strengthen its contribution to higher education across Northeast India.