Agartala, March 20: The Tripura Legislative Assembly witnessed chaotic scenes on Friday as opposition members from CPI(M) and Congress staged a walkout, protesting the adoption of three bills aimed at setting up private universities in the state.
The disruption unfolded during discussions on the proposed legislations, with Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury and Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman strongly opposing the move. Both leaders alleged that the organisations seeking to establish the universities lack the necessary experience and credibility to run higher educational institutions.
Chaudhury, a former minister and current CPI(M) state secretary, highlighted what he described as multiple loopholes in the bills. He urged the government to refer the proposals to select committees for a more detailed examination, stressing the need for caution in allowing private entities into the higher education sector. He warned that any hasty decision could adversely impact the future of students.
Echoing similar concerns, Roy Barman questioned whether the organisations had complied with the norms and guidelines set by the University Grants Commission (UGC). He demanded that the government withdraw the bills until proper scrutiny is ensured.
However, Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman rejected the opposition’s claims, defending the government’s decision to introduce the bills. The debate soon escalated into heated exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches. CPI(M) and Congress legislators subsequently rushed to the well of the House, raising slogans in front of Speaker Ram Pada Jamatia’s podium. Despite repeated appeals for order, the protest continued, eventually leading to a walkout by the opposition members.
According to the statement of objects and reasons attached to the bills, Tripura currently has five private universities. While the state has made notable progress in expanding primary, secondary, and higher secondary education since attaining statehood in 1972, the government believes there is still significant scope for growth in the higher education sector.
Among the proposals, the New Delhi-based Indira Gandhi Computer Shaksharta Mission plans to establish the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Skill University, offering a wide range of academic and professional programmes. Similar proposals have been put forward by other educational trusts to set up the International University and the Science, Technology and Allied Skill University, aiming to expand higher education opportunities in the state.
