Agartala, March 21: A significant uproar occurred in the Tripura Assembly on Friday as members of the opposition, including CPI(M) and Congress, staged a walkout in protest against three bills aimed at establishing private universities in the state.
Opposition leader Jitendra Chaudhary and Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman participated in the discussions on the three separate bills, alleging that the organizations proposing to establish these universities lack sufficient experience in managing higher educational institutions.
Chaudhary, a former minister and current CPI(M) state secretary, pointed out several flaws in the bills and demanded that they be sent to select committees for further scrutiny. He emphasized that the government should exercise caution in allowing private organizations to open higher educational institutions, warning against actions that could jeopardize the future of young students.
Roy Barman echoed similar concerns, stating that the organizations proposing the universities neither possess adequate experience nor comply with the regulations and guidelines set by the University Grants Commission. He called for the withdrawal of all three bills.
However, Higher Education Minister Kishore Barman dismissed the opposition’s arguments. Following a heated debate between the ruling and opposition parties, CPI(M) and Congress legislators moved to the well of the house and began shouting slogans in front of Assembly Speaker Ram Pada Jamatiya. After several minutes of chaos, the opposition members exited the assembly.
According to the statements of objectives and reasons associated with the bills, there are currently five private universities in Tripura. The statement noted that while the state has made significant progress in education over the past two decades, including substantial expansion in primary, secondary, and higher secondary education, there remains room for further development in higher education since Tripura attained statehood in 1972.
Meanwhile, the Indira Gandhi Computer Literacy Mission, based in New Delhi, has proposed to establish a knowledge-based and technologically advanced institution, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Skill University, in Tripura. This university aims to offer programs in various fields, including science, technology, management, social sciences, humanities, law, nursing, paramedical sciences, pharmacy, hospitality and tourism, tribal affairs, sports, skill development, fine arts, design, and performing arts.
Similarly, the Research and Knowledge for Noble Upliftment Trust from Gujarat has proposed to set up an International University in Tripura, focusing on various subjects, including science, technology, management, social sciences, humanities, law, nursing, paramedical sciences, pharmacy, hospitality and tourism, tribal affairs, sports, skill development, fine arts, design, and performing arts.
Additionally, the Bharat Educational and Cultural Development Trust from Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, has proposed to establish a ‘Science, Technology, and Allied Skills University’ in the state. This proposed institution also plans to offer programs in diverse fields, including science, technology, management, social sciences, humanities, law, nursing, paramedical sciences, pharmacy, hospitality and tourism, tribal affairs, sports, skill development, fine arts, design, and performing arts.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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