Agartala, February 7, 2026: Tripura’s Tribal Welfare Minister Bikash Debbarma on Friday evening categorically stated that Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha is not opposed to the English language, underlining the state government’s commitment to inclusive and quality education.
During an unannounced visit to the boys’ and girls’ hostels of Karbook Ashram School around 8 pm, the minister pointed out that more than 100 Vidyajyoti schools across the state are currently imparting education in the English medium. He also maintained that there should be no objection if members of the tribal community use their own Roman script to preserve their language, culture and identity.
Interacting directly with hostel students, Debbarma enquired about their academic life and any difficulties they might be facing. Discussions with teachers and students brought to light a shortage of teaching staff at the school. Assuring prompt action, the minister said necessary steps would be taken to fill the vacant posts at the earliest.
Issuing clear instructions to the authorities managing the school and hostels, he stressed that students must not face any inconvenience. “True development of any nation or community is not possible without education,” the minister said, adding that this belief drives his regular visits to schools and hostels across the state.
Criticising the previous government, Debbarma alleged that tribal communities were deliberately deprived of educational opportunities, as an educated population becomes aware of its legitimate rights. He accused the former regime of neglecting tribal education with the intention of keeping people politically manipulable.
“Education is the backbone of society. Every child must be educated,” he asserted. The minister informed that after the present government assumed office, educational facilities from Class I to Class XII have been created at Karbook Ashram School. He further noted that while only four Eklavya Model Residential Schools existed earlier, the current BJP government has established 21 such schools, providing completely free education to tribal students.
The visit, he said, reaffirmed the state government’s highest priority on strengthening and expanding educational opportunities for tribal communities across Tripura.
