Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha launches free Wi-Fi in 11 government colleges and the Mukhyamantri Yuva Yogayog Yojana 2024–25, emphasizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet use for public welfare under the Digital Tripura Mission for a smarter state.
The Tripura Government launched free Wi-Fi facilities across 11 more Government Degree Colleges and rolled out the Mukhyamantri Yuva Yogayog Yojana (MYYY) for the academic year 2024–25. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated both initiatives at an event held at the Government College of Art & Craft, Lichubagan, under the banner of the Digital Tripura initiative.
The Chief Minister, accompanied by IT Minister Pranajit Singha Roy and Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman, emphasized the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet for public welfare, innovation, and education.
“Wi-Fi services have already been launched in 19 government colleges in the state. Today, this facility is being extended to 11 more institutions. This expansion will revolutionize digital learning and benefit thousands of students,” said Dr. Saha. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always given special importance to technology. Our youth, comprising about 60–65% of India’s population, are our greatest strength, and they must be equipped to lead in this digital era.”
Bridging the Digital Divide
The Digital Tripura mission, launched in October 2024, initially connected 19 colleges with a high-speed 100 Mbps backbone network. The newly inaugurated second phase extends coverage to 11 more colleges, each equipped with around 20 wireless access points to ensure seamless connectivity across campuses.
With a total investment of Rs. 12.32 crore, this project aims to provide high-speed and secure internet access to students, faculty, and staff, promoting digital literacy, innovation, and accessibility in higher education.
Officials noted that the initiative bridges the digital divide between urban and rural institutions, empowering students with essential online learning tools and resources.
Empowering Students Through MYYY
Complementing the Wi-Fi expansion, the Mukhyamantri Yuva Yogayog Yojana (MYYY) continues to support students by offering a financial grant of Rs. 5,000 to final-year undergraduate students for purchasing smartphones.
Since its inception in 2020, the scheme has benefitted over 50,000 students at a total cost of Rs. 25.39 crore. For the 2024–25 academic year, around 20,000 students from 40 Government Colleges will receive this benefit, backed by a Rs. 10 crore allocation.
The state cabinet has also approved the extension of MYYY until 2026–27, reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring every student has access to digital tools and opportunities.
Driving Innovation and Inclusivity
During the event, Dr. Saha and other dignitaries visited stalls of technical and educational institutions operating under the New Generation Innovation Network (NGIN) scheme. The exhibition saw enthusiastic participation from students and educators, showcasing local innovations and start-up ideas.
Dr. Saha highlighted that these initiatives reflect Tripura’s mission to ensure equitable access to technology and education.
“By combining digital infrastructure with student-centric support schemes, Tripura is preparing its youth for a knowledge-based economy and a digitally inclusive future,” he stated.
Aligning with PM Modi’s Vision
Reiterating the state’s alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, Dr. Saha said the government is continuously intensifying efforts to create a smart, digital, and inclusive state that ensures ease of living for all citizens.
He also reminded the audience that Tripura was recently declared the third fully literate state in India—after Goa and Mizoram—based on UNESCO guidelines.
“Technology today defines progress in every field, from education to healthcare. AI and the Internet must be used responsibly for positive public outcomes,” he said, citing examples of AI’s growing role in agriculture, medical services, and governance.
Dr. Saha also emphasized expanding telecom infrastructure in remote regions to ensure every citizen benefits from digital connectivity.
Tripura’s Digital Governance Model
The state’s Digital Tripura Mission has already achieved several milestones in digital governance, including full implementation of the eOffice system from the state level to the Panchayat level — a first in India. Other achievements include eCabinet, Beneficiary Management System (Tripura’s own DBT platform), CM Helpline 1905, and a comprehensive Tripura Start-up Policy.
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IT Secretary Kiran Gitte, Special Secretary Raval Hamendra Kumar, and Director of IT Jeya Ragul Geshan B were also present at the event, reaffirming the government’s vision of fostering innovation and positioning Tripura as a model for technology-led growth in the Northeast.
