Agartala, Jan 31 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, announced on Saturday that the state is making significant strides in various sectors including education, culture, sports, industry, and commerce, thereby securing a prominent position among India's top states in comprehensive development.

During a virtual event, Saha inaugurated and laid the groundwork for numerous development projects throughout Tripura from the Belonia Vidyapeeth ground located in the South Tripura district.

As part of this initiative, Saha opened the newly built pucca (concrete) structure of Niharnagar Class XII School in the Rajnagar region of Belonia subdivision. He also inaugurated the pucca building of Ghoshkhamar Class XII School, while the Belonia English Medium Class XII School construction was inaugurated virtually.

In his address, Saha emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring that developmental benefits reach marginalized groups in society.

“Around Rs 80 crore worth of projects are in progress in Rajnagar focusing on the improvement of roads, drinking water, electricity, education, and other critical areas. Tripura has been honored with 347 awards for its developmental accomplishments. New educational institutions are being established, smart classrooms and digital libraries are being set up, stipends are being granted to students, and SCERT courses are being aligned with the National Education Policy,” stated the Chief Minister.

Highlighting the significance of quality education, Saha referred to schools as temples of learning and stressed the necessity of robust teacher-student relationships.

“Educators should remain updated and cultivate a spiritual bond with their students. To tackle the shortage of teachers, recruitment is conducted through the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) under a transparent framework. PM-SHRI and Vidya Jyoti schools have been instituted to elevate educational standards,” he remarked.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister underscored the essential role teachers play in imparting social values alongside academics, drawing inspiration from historic centres of learning such as Nalanda and Taxila.

He also mentioned that vocational training centres have been established in 435 schools statewide. To enhance sports infrastructure, Saha noted that new playgrounds are being constructed, and sporting talent is being nurtured from the grassroots level.

“Tripura has produced national-level cricketers like Manishankar Murasingh. Sports are crucial in fostering a drug-free Tripura,” he added.

During the ceremony, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Belonia Indoor Cricket Practice Shed and virtually opened similar facilities in Jirania and Kailashahar. He also officiated the final match of the South Tripura district-level Drug-Free Premier Football League.

Earlier, Saha laid the foundation stone for the Vidyasagar Fish and Vegetable Market in Banakare, Belonia. The event was attended by Cooperative Minister Shuklacharan Noatia, various MLAs, senior officials, district administration representatives, and other dignitaries.