Agartala, October 2, 2026: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha said Tripura University has grown from a modest beginning with limited departments into an important centre of education, research and knowledge in the state, and called for collective efforts to develop it into a premier centre of higher education and research in the North-East.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the 40th Foundation Day celebration of Tripura University at the Maharaja Bir Bikram Satabarshiki Bhavan. During the programme, he felicitated Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman as an alumnus of the university.
Tripura University was established on October 2, 1987, and attained the status of a Central University through an Act of Parliament in July 2007. Reflecting on its four-decade journey, Chief Minister Saha said the university should now set ambitious goals for the next 40 years, with greater national and international collaboration, expansion of research, innovation and entrepreneurship.
He said Tripura’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant tribal society, biodiversity and distinctive geographical and environmental features provide significant opportunities for research. He also stressed the need for stronger coordination between educational institutions and industry, inter-departmental research and wider academic cooperation.
The Chief Minister said education should go beyond the acquisition of knowledge and contribute to character building and the creation of responsible, service-minded citizens. He also emphasised that universities should connect academic knowledge with solutions to problems faced by society.
Highlighting the state’s initiatives in higher education, Saha said seven new government degree colleges have been established since 2018 at Old Agartala, Panisagar, Ambassa, Kakraban, Karbook, Nalchar and through Sri Aurobindo General Degree College. The Women’s Degree College at Nalchar began functioning from the 2026-27 academic session. Acts have also been passed to upgrade Agartala Women’s College into Tripura Government Women’s University and Tripura Institute of Technology into a University of Technology.
On student welfare, the Chief Minister said 20 Divyangjan students received assistance under the Chief Minister’s Special Scholarship during the last year, while scholarships were also provided to other beneficiaries. Under the Mukhya Mantri Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana, around 140 meritorious girl students have benefited from scooty distribution.
Regarding recruitment in government degree colleges, Saha said 74 Assistant Professors have been recommended by the Tripura Public Service Commission in the first phase, while recruitment for another 126 posts is underway. Five Principals have also been appointed, and approval has been received for the creation of 200 additional Assistant Professor posts.
He said examination centres for various competitive examinations are being established in Agartala, Udaipur and Ambassa.
On the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Chief Minister said it has been implemented in colleges and universities across the state from the 2023-24 academic session, with emphasis on skill development and innovation. General degree courses have also been introduced at the Institute of Advanced Studies in Education, Kunjaban, and the College of Teachers Education, Kumarghat. The Institute of Advanced Studies in Education has introduced a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the 2026-27 academic session.
The Chief Minister also highlighted ongoing infrastructure development at institutions including MBB College, Netaji Subhash College in Udaipur, Tripura Institute of Technology and National Law University. New classrooms, smart classrooms, research laboratories and student hostels are also being constructed at various educational institutions under different schemes, including PM-USHA.
For the 2026-27 academic year, academic buildings, administration buildings and libraries have been approved for Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar College in Belonia and Karbook Degree College, while an academic building has been approved for Ramthakur College in Agartala.
Saha said these investments are aimed not merely at creating infrastructure but at building opportunities for the younger generation. Referring to AI and digital technology, he said technological advancements would create new employment opportunities, while the fundamental objectives of education—learning, skill development and character building—would remain important.
Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman, speaking as an alumnus, recalled his student days and described Tripura University as a symbol of the aspirations of the people of the state.
During the programme, MoUs were signed between Tripura University and five organisations, including Bandhan Bank, Assam University, Devi Ahilya University and Pahle India Foundation. Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors and other staff members were also felicitated for their contributions to the university.
Tripura University Chancellor Ahmed Javed, Assam University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajeev Mohan Pant, Devi Ahilya University, Indore Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rakesh Kumar Shil and Bandhan Bank MD Chandra Shekhar Ghosh also spoke at the event. A documentary highlighting the journey of Tripura University was screened during the celebration.
