Northeast Desk, 11th January: In the Tripura assembly, Opposition CPI(M) and Congress MLAs left the session in protest after Chief Minister Manik Saha dismissed their request to refer a Bill proposing a private university to a select committee for examination.
During the presentation of the Bill, opposition leader Animesh Debbarma, CPI(M) legislator Jitendra Choudhury, and Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman raised serious concerns about approving the Bill without thorough scrutiny.
Debbarma emphasized that while they support the concept of a private open university in the northeastern state, the proposal should undergo comprehensive examination by the select committee. Choudhury echoed this sentiment, expressing reservations about a private organization establishing an open university in a state that already hosts three private varsities.
Choudhury stressed the need for proper scrutiny, citing concerns about the Delhi-based Himalayan Universal Educational Trust, urging, “The Bill should be sent to the select committee because people don’t know much about the organization.”
He pointed out how previous bills, such as those for ICFAI University and MBB University, underwent scrutiny by the select committee before approval. The Congress legislator pleaded with the chief minister to refer the Bill for scrutiny, saying, “We can’t allow anyone to jeopardize the future of the students.”
In response to opposition concerns, Chief Minister Saha highlighted the trust’s experience running similar institutions in other states, asserting that the organization had acquired a 5.40-acre plot in Udaipur, Gumati district, adhering to UGC guidelines. He assured that no additional funds would be required for establishing the open university, benefiting students unable to complete college due to various reasons.
Despite the opposition’s objections, the Bill for the establishment of Mata Tripura Sundari Open University passed in the House, leading to CPI(M) and Congress MLAs staging a walkout.
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