Chief Minister of Tripura, Dr. Manik Saha, has announced a significant increase in the enrolment of female students in higher education since the introduction of free degree education for girls in 2022. Speaking at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of Ramkrishna Mahavidyalaya in Kailashahar, Unakoti District, CM Saha emphasized that the initiative has led to a noticeable rise in the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of girls in the state’s higher education institutions.


Dr. Saha attributed the rise in female enrolment to the state’s decision to waive fees for all female students in state-run general degree colleges, a policy that was implemented two years ago. "Since 2022, girl students no longer pay fees in general degree colleges, and as a result, we have witnessed an increase in the Gross Enrolment Ratio of girls in higher education," said CM Saha.

Government Initiatives to Empower Women

In addition to the free education scheme, the Tripura government has taken several other measures to empower women and ensure their greater participation in public life. CM Saha highlighted the introduction of a 33 percent reservation for women in government jobs, as well as a 50 percent reservation in government stalls. These initiatives aim to provide economic opportunities for women and promote gender equality in various sectors.

"Our government is committed to empowering women and ensuring they have equal opportunities in education, employment, and other fields. The introduction of these reservations is a step toward creating a more inclusive society where women can excel and contribute to the state's development," said the Chief Minister.

Focus on Education and Healthcare

During his address, CM Saha stressed that the education and healthcare sectors are top priorities for his administration. Several new initiatives have been introduced to enhance the quality of education and provide better opportunities for students in the state.

One of the key programs launched by the Tripura government is the 'Lakshya' scheme, which aims to help students prepare for competitive exams such as the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The scheme provides students with the necessary resources and guidance to excel in these exams and secure prestigious positions in the civil services.

"Through the Lakshya scheme, we are equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed in competitive exams like the UPSC. Our goal is to ensure that more students from Tripura, especially girls, can compete on a national level and achieve their dreams," said CM Saha.

New Universities Under Development

CM Saha also highlighted the progress being made in establishing new universities in the state. He mentioned that Dhamma Dipa International University, Techno India University, and Aryavart International University are currently under development. These universities, once operational, are expected to provide world-class education and attract students from across the region, further enhancing Tripura's reputation as an emerging educational hub in the Northeast.

“We aim to make Tripura an educational hub in the Northeast Region. With these new universities in progress, we are creating more opportunities for higher education right here in our state. Students will no longer have to go elsewhere to pursue quality education," he said.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that the state has made significant strides in the healthcare sector, with the establishment of dental and nursing colleges. "It was not easy to set up dental and nursing colleges, but we faced the challenges and succeeded. Today, these institutions are providing essential healthcare training to our youth," said Dr. Saha.

Implementation of National Education Policy (NEP)

CM Saha further emphasized that the state has fully implemented the National Education Policy (NEP) in all state-run colleges. The NEP, which seeks to overhaul the education system in India by focusing on holistic and multidisciplinary learning, has been instrumental in reshaping higher education in Tripura. According to the Chief Minister, the policy will benefit the next generation of students by providing them with a more flexible and diverse education experience.

"The National Education Policy has already been implemented in all our state-run colleges, and it is going to benefit the next generation immensely. The NEP is focused on equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the modern world," he added.

Building a Bright Future for Tripura

Concluding his speech, CM Saha reiterated his government's commitment to making Tripura a leader in education and development in the Northeast. "We are working hard to build a bright future for Tripura. By prioritizing education and healthcare, we are ensuring that our youth have the best opportunities to thrive and succeed. The progress we have made in these sectors will have a lasting impact on our state," he said.

With the rise in female enrolment and ongoing development of educational infrastructure, Tripura is well on its way to becoming a hub for higher education in the Northeast, thanks to the state’s forward-thinking policies and commitment to empowering women.