Reported by Mrinal Kanti Banik
Agartala: Tripura’s effort to achieve a 50 per cent Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by 2035 came up as a key focus area during a meeting between Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a state delegation led by Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman, officials said on Wednesday.
The delegation, which included senior officials from the Higher Education Department, met the Union Education Minister and officials of the Ministry of Education to discuss measures aimed at strengthening Tripura’s higher education system.
During the discussions, the state government raised concerns over affiliation issues related to newly established government degree colleges under Maharaja Bir Bikram University, seeking clarity to streamline academic administration and improve access to higher education.
The delegation also requested the nomination of a Ministry of Education representative to the search committee responsible for appointing the chairperson of the State Higher Education Council.
Officials further said that deliberations included proposals to expand vocational and skill-based courses in government degree colleges in collaboration with IIT Kharagpur, with the aim of improving student employability and enhancing skill development.
Kishor Barman also highlighted the need to appoint a regular Vice-Chancellor for Tripura University and urged the Centre to expedite the process. In response, Pradhan assured that the appointment would be completed soon, according to officials.
The state government additionally sought special financial assistance for establishing two new government universities and four new degree colleges.
Pradhan, according to officials, stressed the importance of identifying skill gaps in higher education institutions and introducing courses aligned with Tripura’s economic needs. He said that expanding educational opportunities and adopting inclusive policies would be crucial to achieving the 50 per cent GER target by 2035 and reducing student migration to other states.
He also directed officials to form a high-level committee to prepare a comprehensive roadmap and vision document for higher education in Tripura, covering future academic requirements, institutional expansion and infrastructure development.
The Union Minister further emphasised the need to promote higher education and research opportunities among tribal students through inclusive policies and assured the delegation that all issues raised would be duly considered.
