In a major boost to Tripura’s higher education sector, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has assured the State Government that the appointment process for a regular Vice-Chancellor of Tripura University will be completed at the earliest. He also directed his office to constitute a high-level committee to prepare a comprehensive roadmap and vision document for the future development of higher education in the state.
The assurance was given during a meeting held in New Delhi between the Union Education Minister and a Tripura delegation led by Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman. The delegation also included senior officials of the State Higher Education Department, including Special Secretary Raval Hamendra Kumar.
During the meeting, the Tripura delegation highlighted several issues related to the expansion, modernization and effective administration of higher education institutions across the state. Among the key concerns raised was the need for an early resolution of affiliation-related matters concerning newly established Government General Degree Colleges under Maharaja Bir Bikram University. The delegation stressed that addressing these issues would help ensure smooth academic functioning and improve access to quality higher education.
The state government also requested the nomination of a representative from the Ministry of Education to be included in the Search Committee responsible for appointing the Chairman of the State Higher Education Council, in accordance with existing guidelines.
A major area of discussion was the proposed introduction and expansion of skill-based and vocational education in Government Degree Colleges through collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. The initiative is expected to equip students with industry-relevant skills and improve employability in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The delegation further sought special financial assistance from the Centre for the establishment and development of two new Government Universities and four new Government Degree Colleges in Tripura. These institutions are expected to significantly strengthen educational infrastructure and expand opportunities for higher studies.
During the discussion, Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized the need to identify skill gaps within higher education institutions and introduce new academic programmes aligned with Tripura’s economic and developmental priorities. He also stressed the importance of promoting inclusive education and encouraging greater participation of tribal students in higher studies and research.
The Union Minister appreciated the initiatives undertaken by the Tripura Government and assured that all issues raised during the meeting would receive due attention. The meeting reflected a shared commitment between the Centre and the State to transform Tripura into a leading educational hub and contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 through institutional growth, skill development and enhanced educational opportunities.
