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Tripura Assembly Chaos: Opposition Walks Out Over 3 Private University Bills

The Tripura Assembly descended into chaos as opposition CPI(M) and Congress members staged a walkout over the adoption of three bills to establish new private universities. Opposition leaders Jitendra Chaudhury and Sudip Roy Barman argued the proposing organizations lacked sufficient experience in running higher educational institutions and had not adhered to UGC guidelines. Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman rejected these arguments, leading to heated exchanges and sloganeering in the House. The bills aim to set up new universities focused on skills, technology, and diverse disciplines to expand the state's higher education sector.

Key Points: Tripura Opposition Walks Out Over Private University Bills

  • Opposition stages walkout over 3 private university bills
  • Leaders cite lack of experience and UGC guideline issues
  • Bills propose new skill and international universities
  • Minister rejects opposition's arguments
3 min read

Tripura: Oppn walkouts over bills for three new private universities

Tripura Assembly sees walkout as CPI(M) & Congress oppose three bills for new private universities, citing lack of experience and UGC norms.

"the organisations proposing to establish the universities lack adequate experience - Jitendra Chaudhury"

Agartala, March 20

The Tripura Assembly on Friday witnessed bedlam as opposition CPI and Congress members jointly staged a walkout over the adoption of three bills to set up private universities in the state.

Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury and Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman, while participating in discussions on the three separate bills, alleged that the organisations proposing to establish the universities lack adequate experience in running higher educational institutions.

Chaudhury, a former minister and the incumbent CPI(M) Tripura state secretary, pointed out several loopholes in the bills and demanded that they be referred to select committees.

He said the government must exercise greater caution in allowing private organisations to set up higher educational institutions, warning against steps that could jeopardise the future of young students.

Roy Barman echoed similar concerns, stating that the organisations proposing the universities neither have sufficient experience nor have they adhered to the rules and guidelines of the University Grants Commission. He demanded the withdrawal of the three bills.

However, Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman rejected the opposition's arguments. Following heated exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches, CPI(M) and Congress MLAs rushed to the well of the House and raised slogans in front of Assembly Speaker Ram Pada Jamatia's podium. After several minutes of disruption, the opposition members walked out.

According to the statement of objects and reasons attached to the bills, Tripura currently has five private universities. The statement noted that although the state has made significant strides in education over the past two decades, with considerable expansion in primary, secondary and higher secondary education, there remains scope for further growth in higher education since Tripura attained statehood in 1972.

Meanwhile, the New Delhi‑based Indira Gandhi Computer Shaksharta Mission has proposed establishing a knowledge‑driven and technologically enabled institution, the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Skill University, in Tripura.

The university aims to offer programmes in 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 Gujarat‑based Research and Gyan for Noble Upliftment Trust has proposed setting up the International University in Tripura, with a focus on a wide range of disciplines 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 Hapur (Uttar Pradesh)‑based Bharat Educational and Cultural Development Trust has proposed establishing the Science, Technology and Allied Skill University in the state.

The proposed institution also plans to offer programmes across diverse fields such as 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.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
More universities in Tripura is a good thing on paper, but the walkout shows the process is flawed. The bills should have gone to a select committee for proper scrutiny. This haste is worrying.
R
Rahul R
I have mixed feelings. We definitely need more higher education options in the Northeast, but why are the trusts from Gujarat and UP coming to Tripura? We need to develop local capacity first.
S
Sarah B
The focus on skill development and tribal affairs in the proposed courses is commendable. But the opposition's point about UGC guidelines is crucial. We can't compromise on standards for expansion.
V
Vikram M
Walkouts and slogans won't solve anything. Both sides need to sit down and have a proper debate. This is about our children's education, not political point-scoring. The assembly should function better.
K
Kavya N
As a parent, I'm concerned. We've seen so many private colleges and universities become degree mills with poor placements. The government must ensure these new institutions have a solid track record and vision.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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