Agartala, March 23 (NationPress) In a significant development, the Tripura Legislative Assembly has approved a Bill to establish a new private university in the state, despite protests and a walkout by the Opposition members from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Congress. The Dhanvantari Skill University, Tripura Bill faced strong criticism from the Opposition, who argued that the proposing organization lacks the necessary experience, capability, and institutional support.

The NVK Skill Foundation Trust, based in New Delhi, aims to set up a knowledge-driven, technologically-advanced Dhanvantari Skill University in Agartala. Jitendra Chaudhury, the Leader of the Opposition, and former minister Sudip Roy Barman voiced concerns regarding the organization’s qualifications to operate higher education institutions.

Chaudhury, also the CPI(M) Tripura state secretary, pointed out numerous flaws in the Bill, warning that such private universities could endanger the future of students in Tripura. He called on the government to be more cautious in allowing private entities to establish higher educational establishments, as it could risk students' prospects.

Roy Barman reiterated these worries, asserting that the organization neither has adequate experience nor complies with the University Grants Commission's standards.

However, Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman dismissed the Opposition's claims, affirming that the state government only granted approval after confirming adherence to all relevant guidelines and regulations set by the University Grants Commission.

Following intense exchanges between the Opposition and the Treasury Benches, MLAs from CPI(M) and Congress exited the Assembly in protest. The statement accompanying the Bill indicated that Tripura currently hosts five private universities. It noted that the state has witnessed substantial educational advancements over the last twenty years, particularly in primary, secondary, and higher secondary education since gaining statehood in 1972.

To address emerging educational demands and enhance higher education opportunities, the government stressed the necessity of establishing additional private universities in Tripura.

The university proposed by the NVK Skill Foundation Trust will offer programs in various fields including Science, Technology, Management, Social Sciences, Humanities, Law, Nursing, and more, aimed at benefiting both the state and the nation.

Earlier, on March 20, amid similar protests and a walkout, the Assembly passed Bills to create three more private universities in the state. These include the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Skill University, proposed by the Indira Gandhi Computer Shaksharta Mission, an International University proposed by the Gujarat-based Research and Gyan for Noble Upliftment Trust, and a Science, Technology and Allied Skill University by the Bharat Educational and Cultural Development Trust from Hapur, Uttar Pradesh.