Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha informed the Assembly that infrastructure development worth approximately Rs 1000 crore is currently in progress to enhance rural education under various government schemes.
Speaking during the last day of the Tripura Legislative Assembly’s Budget Session, Dr. Saha, who also holds the Education portfolio, responded to a calling attention motion by MLA Pathan Lal Jamatia.
“The state government is taking significant steps to improve educational infrastructure in rural areas. Under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), Rs 213.4 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of buildings and related works in 30 rural schools. While two schools have been completed, work on the remaining 28 is ongoing. Additionally, Rs 261.77 crore has been allocated for the development of 33 more schools under the same scheme. Furthermore, under the NESIDS scheme, Rs 100.74 crore is being utilized for infrastructure development in 14 rural schools across the state,” Dr. Saha stated.
He further mentioned that under the Special Assistance Capital Scheme, Rs 33.82 crore has been sanctioned for six schools, with one completed and work underway in the remaining five.
“A large-scale initiative is currently being implemented across the state to upgrade rural school infrastructure. Under the Special Assistance for Capital Investment Scheme, Rs 159.36 crore has been allocated for 62 schools, with 15 completed and 47 under construction. Additionally, under the Suvarna Jayanti Scheme, Rs 8.51 crore is being utilized for construction in one school. These efforts aim to modernize rural schools, improve learning environments, and strengthen education through comprehensive infrastructure development,” he added.
Dr. Saha highlighted that Rs 188 crore has been spent on constructing additional classrooms, toilets (including those for children with special needs), ramps, handrails, library rooms, drinking water facilities, computer labs, science and biology laboratories, and essential repairs.
He also informed the House that the central government has approved the construction of 39 hostels under the PM JANMAN and DAJGUA projects.
“In addition to infrastructure development, school furniture is being provided at the basic level, and funds are being allocated for repairs and necessary improvements. For the fiscal year 2024-25, Rs 50 lakh has been granted to school inspectors for purchasing furniture, while Rs 53.46 lakh has also been allocated. Moreover, Rs 1.6 crore has been sanctioned for infrastructure repairs and furniture procurement in rural schools under the extra-salary sector,” Dr. Saha added.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening rural education and ensuring modern, well-equipped learning spaces for students across Tripura.
