The left front government in Tripura has decided to set up a ‘state university’ to improve the scope of higher education. The government plans to launch the university at Maharaja Bir Bikram College, which has a large campus, to encourage teaching environment in the capital city.
State Higher Education Minister Bhanu Lal Saha said they want to commence in the academic session in 2015. “The committee headed by the education secretary is considering all aspects”, he added.
Prelude to creating the university, the government will introduce a bill in the State Assembly on the university
proposal and then move the University Grants Commission (UGC). The UGC will scrutinize the merits and will give an on the spot inspection before granting approval.
The State Government lost control over the erstwhile Tripura University after it secured the central university status. Maharaja Bir Bikram College was first higher education institute in the state established by former royals during World War II. Located on the hillocks surrounded by lush greenery, the college lost its magnificence due to spate of encroachments.
Officials said the government will prepare detailed project report to move the central government for budgetary allocation. An estimated Rs. 15 crore is required annually for the proposed university.
The state government has also decided to run an English medium college at place of the central jail in Agartala next year. The central jail was shifted to its new campus in Bishalgarh near here last month.