Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Friday said that the gross enrolment ratio of girl students in colleges has been increasing significantly.

“The state government has decided to provide scooties to girl students to further encourage them to pursue higher education. The government is working with special emphasis on women empowerment. Additionally, efforts are being made to improve the infrastructure of higher educational institutions,” said Dr Saha.

Dr Saha said this during the distribution of scooties under the Mukhyamantri Konya Atmanirbhar Yojana for the 2023-24 academic session at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan today.

Dr Saha, who also holds the Education Minister portfolio, reiterated that the present state government fulfils its commitments.

“For years, bicycles have been provided to girl students studying in Class IX. Around one and a half lakh bicycles have already been distributed. We had announced that this time we would also provide scooties to girl students. Today, it has been proven that we govern by following the principles of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who believes in delivering on promises. I feel immensely happy to hand over these scooties to our girls. Initially, it was planned to distribute 100 scooties. However, the cabinet later decided to add 40 more scooties for students. The main objective is to further inspire students toward higher education. We emphasize women empowerment, and this initiative can be a significant step toward that goal,” he stated.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to enhance the infrastructure of higher educational institutions, alongside measures to improve the overall quality of education.

Dr Saha further emphasized that the state government is committed to women empowerment.

“The gross enrollment ratio has seen a considerable rise. After waiving admission fees, college development fees, exam fees, and other charges, this ratio has increased significantly. The Chief Minister’s Special Scholarship has been introduced for visually impaired students. Dhammadeepa International Buddhist University is set to become one of the most prominent educational institutions in the state and will establish strong connections with Southeast Asian countries. With the establishment of such institutions, Tripura is on its way to becoming an education hub in the near future,” he added.

Special Secretary of the Higher Education Department, Ravel Hemendra Kumar, Director of Higher Education, Animesh Debbarma, and other senior officials attended the event as distinguished guests.

During the program, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha also unveiled a booklet highlighting the achievements of the Higher Education Department.

Notably, under this initiative, a total of 140 meritorious girl students who have passed higher secondary examinations will receive scooties.