Tripura CM Dr. Manik Saha urges development of RK Nagar Veterinary College into a national model institution and announces SHIJA Super Specialty Hospital’s foundation stone laying on November 5 to boost veterinary education and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha today called upon students, faculty, and administrators of the College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, RK Nagar, to work collectively towards transforming the institution into one of India’s top veterinary colleges. He made this appeal while attending the 17th Foundation Day celebration of the college, emphasizing that veterinary education is crucial for strengthening rural livelihoods and achieving self-sufficiency in livestock production.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Saha highlighted Tripura’s growing contribution to livestock and dairy production in the Northeast. “Currently, Tripura ranks second in the North Eastern region in milk production. This is a proud achievement, but we must now aim for complete self-sufficiency in milk and egg production,” he said.
The Chief Minister noted that veterinary science plays a vital role in the state’s economy and in improving the quality of rural life. “The development of human life in rural areas is directly linked to livestock. The Veterinary College at RK Nagar must be developed into a model institution that sets a benchmark for others in the country,” he said, adding that veterinary studies are often more complex than human medical science.
Dr. Saha also underlined that India holds a significant position globally in livestock resources. He urged both students and faculty to stay updated with modern technology and adopt innovative learning methods. “This is the age of Artificial Intelligence and 5G. Students and faculty must integrate new tools and research methods to keep pace with changing times,” he stated.
The Chief Minister pointed out that infrastructure-wise, the college stands at par with other major medical institutions. “I used to regularly inquire about the progress of this college from the minister and secretary of the department. We have worked to fill the faculty shortage here. Having a full-fledged veterinary college is essential for a state like Tripura, where earlier there were only one or two seats for veterinary studies. Now, with 66 seats, the college has become a centre of excellence,” Dr. Saha said.
He added that Tripura has already achieved self-sufficiency in meat production, while per capita egg availability is the highest among the Northeastern states. “Our next goal is to achieve full self-sufficiency in milk and egg production. The government and all stakeholders must come forward together to achieve this,” the Chief Minister remarked.
Dr. Saha also spoke about the Green Animal Food Development Project, which aims to strengthen the livestock sector by producing sustainable fodder. “Under this project, green animal food is being cultivated across about 286 hectares of land. Additionally, duck and poultry farming initiatives have been launched under the Chief Minister’s Animal Resources Scheme,” he said.
Reiterating his vision for the future, Dr. Saha said that the RK Nagar Veterinary College should not only achieve national recognition but also global acclaim. “This educational institution should be one that brings pride not just to Tripura but to the entire nation,” he emphasized.
During his address, Dr. Saha made another major announcement — the upcoming construction of a super-specialty SHIJA Hospital in the RK Nagar area. “The bhoomipujan (foundation stone laying ceremony) of the SHIJA Hospital is scheduled for November 5. Once built, this hospital will greatly enhance the healthcare facilities in the region and attract patients from across the state and neighbouring areas,” the Chief Minister said.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Animal Resources Development Minister Sudhangshu Das, MLA Ratan Chakraborty, Paschim Tripura Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati (in-charge) Biswajit Shil, Vice-Chancellor of Tripura Central University Prof. Shyamal Das, Secretary of Animal Resources Development Department Deepa D. Nair, and Director Dr. Neeraj Kumar Chanchal, among others.
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Concluding his speech, Dr. Saha cited the guiding principle of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance vision. “Following the mantra of our visionary Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji — ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas’ — Tripura is making remarkable progress in veterinary education and animal husbandry. These initiatives are empowering farmers and strengthening the rural economy through education, innovation, and collective effort,” he said.
