Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Friday called for concerted efforts to develop Tripura University into one of the major centres of higher education and research in Northeast India.

Addressing the 40th Foundation Day celebration of Tripura University at the Maharaja Bir Bikram Centenary Building on the university campus, Dr Saha said the institution, which began its journey with a limited number of departments, has now been playing an important role in the state’s education, research and knowledge sectors.

He said the university’s four-decade journey is closely linked with the development of higher education in Tripura. Tripura University was formally established on October 2, 1987, and attained the status of a Central University through an Act of Parliament in July 2007.

The Chief Minister said that alongside celebrating the achievements of the past 40 years, the university must set new goals for the next four decades. He expressed hope that through national and international collaborations, promotion of entrepreneurship and interdisciplinary research, Tripura University would emerge as a major centre of knowledge and innovation in the Northeast.

Dr Saha said education should not be confined merely to acquiring knowledge, but should also contribute to character building, a sense of responsibility and a spirit of service towards society. He highlighted Tripura’s rich cultural heritage, diverse ethnic and tribal communities, biodiversity and unique geographical and environmental features as areas offering significant opportunities for research. He also stressed the need for greater coordination between industry and educational institutions, interdisciplinary research, innovation, entrepreneurship and academic collaboration at national and international levels.

Highlighting initiatives taken by the state government to expand higher education, Saha said seven new government degree colleges have been established in Tripura since 2018. These include colleges at Old Agartala, Panisagar, Ambassa, Kakraban, Karbook, Nalsarh and the Sri Aurobindo General Degree College, an English-medium institution. Academic activities at Nalsarh Government Women’s Degree College began from the 2026-27 academic session.

He also said legislation has been passed to upgrade Women’s College in Agartala into Tripura Government Women’s University and Tripura Institute of Technology into Tripura State Technical University.

The Chief Minister said the participation of private educational institutions in expanding higher education infrastructure in the state is also increasing. He said scholarships had been provided to 20 visually impaired students for higher education under the Chief Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme during the past year.

Under the Chief Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme for preparation for all-India competitive examinations, particularly the UPSC examinations, assistance was provided to two more students during the past year, taking the total number of beneficiaries to 12. Under the Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana, around 140 meritorious girl students have benefited from free scooters.

Regarding recruitment of teachers in government degree colleges, Saha said the Tripura Public Service Commission had recommended the appointment of 74 assistant professors in the first phase, while the recruitment process for another 126 posts is underway. Five principals have also been appointed, and approval has been given for creation of 200 additional assistant professor posts.

He further said three Tripura Competitive Examination Centres are being established in Agartala, Udaipur and Ambassa to help aspirants prepare for competitive examinations.

On implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Chief Minister said the policy has been introduced in colleges and universities across the state from the 2023-24 academic session, with emphasis on multidisciplinary education, skill development and innovation.

Dr Saha also highlighted ongoing infrastructure development projects in various higher educational institutions, including MBB College, Netaji Subhash Mahavidyalaya in Udaipur, Tripura Institute of Technology and National Law University, Tripura. New classrooms, smart classrooms, laboratories and hostels are also being constructed at different educational institutions.

Under the PM-USHA scheme, infrastructure development work is underway at several government degree colleges and other educational institutions. Under the SASCI scheme for 2026-27, academic and administrative infrastructure projects have been approved at Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar College in Belonia, Korbook Government Degree College and Ramthakur College in Agartala. Approval has also been given for construction of a 1,000-seat auditorium at MBB College.

Addressing students, Dr Saha said artificial intelligence, digital technology and changing employment structures are rapidly transforming education and the world of work. However, he stressed that the fundamental values of education must remain unchanged despite technological changes.

He urged students to focus on three key areas — knowledge, skills and character — and encouraged them to develop themselves not only for successful careers but also as responsible citizens and compassionate human beings.

Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman, also a former student of Tripura University, recalled his student days and described the university as a symbol of the aspirations of the people of Tripura for higher education. He said educational institutions should not only provide degrees but also help students develop the ability to think, reason, take decisions and remain responsible towards society and the country.

At the programme, Tripura University signed Memoranda of Understanding with five institutions, including Assam University, Devi Ahilya University, Bandhan Bank and the Palli Indian Foundation. Faculty members, teaching and non-teaching staff were also felicitated for their outstanding achievements and contributions in the field of education.

Tripura University Chancellor Ahmad Javed, Assam University Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajiv Mohan Pant, Devi Ahilya University, Indore, Vice-Chancellor Prof Rakesh Singh, Tripura University Vice-Chancellor Prof Debabrata Das, Registrar Prof Samir Kumar Shil and Bandhan Bank MD Chandrasekhar Ghosh also addressed the programme.

Professors, university officials, researchers and students were present at the event, where a documentary on Tripura University was also screened.