Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha urges minority students to adopt technical education, announces scholarships, hostels, and welfare initiatives, reinforcing inclusive development, education reform, minority empowerment, and government commitment to skill-based learning across the state.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to inclusive and equitable development, Tripura Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha on Thursday urged minority students to actively embrace technical and skill-based education alongside conventional academic learning. He made these remarks while inaugurating the Merit Award Presentation Ceremony organized by the Minority Welfare Department at Pragna Bhavan.
Addressing students, parents, educators, and officials, the Chief Minister emphasized that education remains the most powerful tool for social transformation and economic empowerment. He stated that the present government is working relentlessly to ensure development for all sections of society, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, with a special focus on the upliftment of minority communities.
“Without the light of education, ignorance cannot be dispelled,” Dr. Saha said, stressing that minority students must adapt to changing global demands by acquiring technical knowledge and modern skills. He highlighted that traditional education, when combined with vocational and technical learning, can significantly enhance employment opportunities and entrepreneurial prospects for young people.
The Chief Minister noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Government has placed strong emphasis on the welfare of minority communities, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and child development. He referred to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram, under which targeted initiatives are being implemented to bridge developmental gaps in minority-concentrated regions.
Dr. Saha informed the gathering that the Tripura government has already forwarded five major project proposals to the Centre for approval, all aimed at strengthening minority welfare infrastructure and services. These projects focus on education, housing, community facilities, and livelihood development.
Highlighting administrative reforms, the Chief Minister said the government is taking concrete steps to restore Wakf Board properties, ensure transparency in scholarship distribution, modernize madrasa infrastructure, and improve living conditions in minority-dominated localities. He reiterated that the state administration remains firm on maintaining communal harmony and urged citizens to remain vigilant against divisive forces.
“Peace and harmony are essential for development,” Dr. Saha said, adding that the rule of law prevails in Tripura and will continue to be upheld without compromise.
Minority Welfare Minister Sukla Charan Noatia, speaking on the occasion, announced plans to develop Minority Model Villages across the state to ensure holistic development. He also confirmed that a budget allocation of Rs 9.22 crore has been earmarked for scholarships benefiting minority students during the current financial year.
MLA Tofazzal Hossain encouraged students from minority communities to pursue higher education and professional courses, stating that academic excellence would enable them to contribute meaningfully to society while bringing pride to the state.
During the ceremony, several prestigious awards were distributed, including the Chief Minister’s Minority Awards, Begum Rokeya Gold Medal Awards, and Maulana Abul Kalam Merit Awards. Meritorious students also received financial cheques as recognition of their academic achievements.
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The event also marked the virtual inauguration of two newly constructed 100-bed hostels, built at a total cost of Rs 4.28 crore, aimed at providing safe and affordable accommodation for minority students pursuing education.
Additionally, the Chief Minister released an official booklet of the Minority Welfare Department, handed over cheques to loan beneficiaries, and distributed sports equipment to schools to promote physical development among students.
The ceremony was attended by Minority Welfare Department Secretary Tapas Roy, Tripura Wakf Board Chairman Mobswar Ali, Haj Committee Chairman Shah Alam, former minister Billal Mia, Department Director Nirmal Adhikari, and several other dignitaries and stakeholders.
