Tripura CM Manik Saha launches virtual classrooms in 240 schools benefiting 40,000 students and inaugurates NAKSHA pilot project in Agartala for digital land mapping, while laying foundation stones for five school infrastructure projects worth Rs 29.12 crore to strengthen education and improve facilities across the state.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Friday launched interactive virtual classrooms in 240 schools across the state and inaugurated a pilot project under NAKSHA for digital land mapping in the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) area, while laying the foundation stones for new infrastructure projects at five schools at a programme held at PM-SHRI A.D. Nagar English Medium School.
The Chief Minister said the state government is continuously working to improve school education by strengthening infrastructure and providing modern facilities to students across Tripura. He emphasised that education remains a key priority and that students in remote areas must receive opportunities comparable to those available in urban centres.
At the programme, foundation stones were laid through a Bhoomi Pujan ceremony for infrastructure development at PM-SHRI A.D. Nagar English Medium School, Netaji Subhash Vidyaniketan, Bardowali Higher Secondary School, Hapania Higher Secondary School and Charipara Higher Secondary School. According to the government, around Rs 29.12 crore will be invested in the five projects under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
Speaking at the event, Saha recalled his student days and urged students to remain focused on their studies and committed to their goals. He said concentration, perseverance and continuous learning are essential for success, particularly in an increasingly competitive environment.
“Concentration is the ladder to success,” the Chief Minister said, stressing that students who study attentively and remain steadfast in pursuing their goals can acquire greater knowledge and move forward in life.
Saha also highlighted the government’s efforts to improve basic infrastructure and safety in schools. He said officials have been instructed to collect updated information about facilities including boundary walls, drinking water, seating arrangements, mid-day meals and toilets in schools across the state. Based on the information collected, necessary steps will be taken to address shortcomings.
The Chief Minister further said there is a plan to develop Bardowali Higher Secondary School as a model school in the future.
A major highlight of the programme was the launch of interactive virtual classrooms in 240 schools located in remote areas of different districts. Through the initiative, students will be able to attend live classes in subjects such as Mathematics, Science and English, conducted by teachers from urban areas through a centralised studio.
The virtual classroom system will be two-way interactive, allowing students in remote schools to ask questions and participate directly in lessons. Saha said the initiative is aimed at ensuring that students do not discontinue their education because of inadequate access to quality educational resources.
Nearly 40,000 students are expected to benefit from the virtual classroom initiative. The Chief Minister said the government has received approval for introducing the facility in 240 schools and described the programme as an important step towards reducing the educational gap between remote and urban areas.
Saha also urged parents not to place excessive pressure on children to secure higher marks. Instead, he called for efforts to develop students into responsible and well-rounded human beings. He encouraged students to participate in sports, cultural activities, social service and patriotic programmes alongside their academic studies.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s Pariksha Pe Charcha initiative, the Chief Minister said students should learn to manage examination-related stress and develop confidence. He said overcoming pressure and continuing towards one’s goals are signs of a strong mindset.
The Chief Minister also highlighted several government initiatives aimed at improving education, including ICT-based learning, Tinkering Labs, NIPUN Tripura, Vidyasetu and the MUKUL programme. He also mentioned programmes such as the distribution of free bicycles to 1.65 lakh girl students, Talent Search and Super-30 initiatives.
During the same programme, the government launched NAKSHA as a pilot project for digitalisation and micro-level measurement of land in the Agartala Municipal Corporation area. Saha said the initiative is aimed at resolving various complexities associated with land measurement through the use of advanced technologies.
Calling NAKSHA a dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said the pilot initiative would help modernise land mapping and improve the accuracy of land-related information.
Urban Development Department Secretary Milind Ramteke said NAKSHA would initially cover an area of around 32 square kilometres across 35 wards under the Agartala Municipal Corporation.
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Education Department Director Dr. Samit Roy Chowdhury delivered the welcome address at the event. Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumdar, MLA Meena Rani Sarkar and Corporator Alak Roy were among those present.
The initiatives mark a combined push by the Tripura government towards modernising school education, expanding digital learning opportunities for students in remote areas and adopting technology-based solutions for urban land management.
