Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday, 4 August visited Baradowali Higher Secondary School on the outskirts of Agartala, as part of a personal initiative to inspect government educational institutions and assess ground-level challenges in the state's school system. Saha, who also holds the Elementary and Secondary Education portfolios, said his goal is to visit every government school in Tripura to identify gaps and drive improvements firsthand.

What the Chief Minister Found

During the inspection, the school headmaster flagged a pressing concern: students are forced to stand in the open under the scorching sun during morning assemblies and prayers, with no shade or covered space available. Saha assured that the government would address the issue at the earliest. Officials also briefed him on ongoing infrastructure works at the school, including the construction of a boundary wall and a gallery.

The Model Institution Push

The Chief Minister stressed the need to transform Baradowali Higher Secondary School — located within his own Assembly constituency — into a model institution, citing infrastructure upgrades, cleanliness, and an inspiring campus environment as priorities. He said a well-developed school could serve as a template for others across the state to replicate.

'Education and academics will continue to remain our priority, but the beauty, cleanliness, and overall environment of a school are equally important. A clean, attractive, and well-maintained campus creates a positive atmosphere for both students and teachers,' Saha said.

On Teacher Accountability and Standards

Saha pointed to a persistent perception gap around government schools despite substantial public investment. 'The salary structure provided to government school teachers is much higher than that in many private schools, and therefore we must ensure that these schools maintain the highest standards of quality and education,' he said. He underlined that teachers carry a critical responsibility in shaping discipline, cleanliness, and academic standards, and indicated he would hold detailed discussions with teaching staff on these issues.

He also called for regular cleanliness drives involving students, arguing that such initiatives build civic responsibility and a sense of ownership over their surroundings.

Broader Agenda: Beyond His Constituency

Saha made clear that the inspection programme would not be limited to Baradowali. He said he would continue visiting schools across all districts of Tripura to understand their specific challenges and ensure timely corrective action. The Chief Minister also touched on wider governance efforts, including the establishment of de-addiction centres in all eight districts of the state and expansion of healthcare infrastructure. He said the government is considering further strengthening rehabilitation services, including enhancing facilities at the Narsingarh rehabilitation centre.

With regular field visits now a stated policy approach, the Saha administration appears to be betting on direct executive oversight as a lever for improving public service delivery at the grassroots level.