Tripura University Turns 40: CM Manik Saha Pushes Research, Innovation and Skill Development

By Thetripurapost Desk, Agartala
Oct 02, 2026
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Tripura University marked its 40th foundation day on Thursday with Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha calling for a stronger focus on higher education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship and industry-academia collaboration to position the university among the leading centres of higher learning in Northeast India.

Speaking at a foundation day programme at the Maharaja Bir Bikram Centenary Bhavan of Tripura University, Chief Minister Manik Saha said the institution's four-decade journey has been closely associated with the expansion of higher education in Tripura.

During the programme, Higher Education Minister Kishore Burman was felicitated as an alumnus of Tripura University.

Tripura University Foundation Day: CM Sets Focus on Next 40 Years

Tripura University was formally established on October 2, 1987. It later received the status of a Central University in July 2007 following the enactment of legislation by Parliament.

According to Chief Minister Manik Saha, the 40th foundation day should not only commemorate the university's achievements but also provide an opportunity to establish new objectives for the next phase of its development.

She said Tripura University can develop into a major knowledge and innovation hub in Northeast India by strengthening academic partnerships within India and abroad, promoting entrepreneurship and expanding interdisciplinary research.

The Chief Minister also emphasised that the role of education goes beyond the acquisition of academic knowledge.

She said education should help students develop character, social responsibility and a commitment to serving society.

CM Manik Saha Highlights Tripura's Research Potential

The Chief Minister highlighted Tripura's distinctive cultural, social, ecological and geographical characteristics as potential areas for advanced research.

The state's rich cultural heritage, ethnic and tribal diversity, biodiversity and environmental features, she said, offer substantial opportunities for researchers across multiple disciplines.

Saha also called for stronger coordination between industries and educational institutions. She stressed the need to encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary studies and academic cooperation at national and international levels.

According to the Chief Minister, universities must ensure that academic knowledge is connected with the actual requirements and challenges of society.

Seven New Government Degree Colleges Established Since 2018

Highlighting the state government's efforts to expand higher education infrastructure, Saha said seven new government degree colleges have been established in Tripura since 2018.

The institutions include government degree colleges at Old Agartala, Panisagar, Ambassa, Kakraban and Karbuk, along with the Government Women's Degree College and Sri Aurobindo General Degree College at Nalchar.

The Government Women's Degree College at Nalchar began academic activities from the 2026-27 session.

Saha further said legislation has been passed to upgrade the Women's College in Agartala into Tripura Government Women's University and Tripura Institute of Technology into a State Technological University.

Tripura Government Expands Student Support Schemes

The Chief Minister also highlighted several initiatives designed to assist students pursuing higher education and competitive examinations.

She said 20 visually impaired students received scholarships for higher education during the past year under the Chief Minister's Special Scholarship Scheme.

Under the component aimed at supporting preparation for national-level competitive examinations, particularly UPSC examinations, two additional beneficiaries received assistance during the past year. The total number of beneficiaries under the initiative has now reached 12.

Under the Chief Minister's Kanya Atmanirbhar Yojana, free scooters are being provided to meritorious students. Around 140 students have benefited from the scheme, according to the Chief Minister.

74 Assistant Professors Recommended for Government Colleges

On faculty recruitment, Saha said the Tripura Public Service Commission has recommended 74 assistant professors for appointment to government degree colleges during the first phase.

The recruitment process for another 126 assistant professor posts is currently underway.

Five principals have also been appointed, while approval has been granted for the creation of 200 additional assistant professor posts.

The state government is also establishing three Tripura Competitive Examination Centres in Agartala, Udaipur and Ambassa to help students prepare for competitive examinations.

NEP 2020 Implemented in Tripura Higher Education

Chief Minister Manik Saha said Tripura has implemented the National Education Policy 2020 in colleges and universities from the 2023-24 academic session.

The government is focusing on multidisciplinary education, skill development and innovation as part of the NEP implementation process.

General degree programmes have been introduced at the Institute of Advanced Studies in Education, Kunjavan, and the College of Teachers Education, Kumarghat.

A BSc programme in Computer Science is also being introduced at the Institute of Advanced Studies in Education, Kunjavan, from the 2026-27 academic session.

New Classrooms, Laboratories and Hostels Under Development

The Chief Minister said several infrastructure projects are underway at higher education institutions across Tripura.

Development work is being carried out at institutions including MBB College, Netaji Subhash Mahavidyalaya in Udaipur, Tripura Institute of Technology and National Law University.

The projects include new classrooms, smart classrooms, laboratories and hostel facilities.

Infrastructure development is also being undertaken at government degree colleges and other educational institutions under the Prime Minister's Higher Education Mission (PM-USHA).

SASCI Projects Include Academic Buildings and MBB College Auditorium

Several higher education infrastructure projects have received approval under the SASCI scheme for the 2026-27 financial year.

Among the approved projects are an academic building at Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar College in Belonia, an academic, administrative and library building at Karbuk Government Degree College and an academic building at Ramthakur College in Agartala.

Approval has also been granted for construction of a 1,000-seat auditorium at MBB College.

Saha said the investments should be viewed not merely as infrastructure development but as long-term investment in the aspirations and future of the state's younger generation.

CM Saha Tells Students to Focus on Knowledge, Skills and Character

Addressing students at the programme, Chief Minister Saha said artificial intelligence, digital technology and changing employment patterns are rapidly transforming education and the workplace.

However, she said technological changes would not diminish the importance of the fundamental values of education.

The Chief Minister urged students to maintain a balance between knowledge, skills and character.

She encouraged them to pursue career goals while also developing into responsible citizens and compassionate members of society.

Saha said students should set aspirations not only for themselves but also for their families, the state and the country.

Higher Education Minister Kishore Burman Recalls University Days

Higher Education Minister Kishore Burman recalled his days as a student of Tripura University and described the institution as an important representation of the state's aspirations for higher education.

He said universities should not restrict their role to awarding degrees. Educational institutions should help students develop independent thinking, logical decision-making and a sense of responsibility towards society and the nation.

Barman also emphasised the importance of employment-oriented education to prepare young people for future challenges.

He said the achievements of a university should ultimately be reflected in the contribution made by its students and alumni towards the development of the country and society.

Tripura University Signs MoUs With Five Institutions

Tripura University signed Memoranda of Understanding with five institutions and organisations during the foundation day programme.

The organisations included Assam University, Devi Ahilya University, Bandhan Bank and Palli Indian Foundation.

Faculty members, including professors, associate professors and assistant professors, as well as teaching and non-teaching employees from different departments, were felicitated for their achievements and contributions to education.

Chief Minister Manik Saha and other dignitaries presented the honours.

Tripura University Chancellor Ahmed Javed, Assam University Vice Chancellor Professor Rajiv Mohan Pant, Devi Ahilya University, Indore, Vice Chancellor Professor Rakesh Singhai, Tripura University Vice Chancellor Professor Debabrata Das, Registrar Professor Sameer Kumar Shil and Bandhan Bank Managing Director Chandrashekhar Ghosh also addressed the gathering.

University professors, officials, researchers and students attended the programme.

A documentary showcasing the history and development of Tripura University was also screened during the event.

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