In a session marked by dissent, the Tripura Assembly witnessed the passage of a bill paving the way for the establishment of a private open university, leading to a walkout by CPI(M) and Congress MLAs. Chief Minister Manik Saha rejected the Opposition’s plea to refer the bill to a select committee for scrutiny, prompting strong objections from Opposition leader Animesh Debbarma, CPI(M) legislator Jitendra Choudhury, and Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman.
While expressing reservations about the lack of thorough examination, Debbarma clarified the Opposition was not against the concept of a private open university in the Northeastern State but emphasized the necessity of scrutiny by a select committee. Choudhury echoed this sentiment, raising concerns about a private organization establishing such an institution when the State already had three private universities.
Choudhury argued, “The Bill should be sent to the select committee for proper scrutiny because people don’t know much about Himalayan Universal Educational Trust, a Delhi-based organization.”
He pointed out that previous bills, including those for ICFAI University and MBB University, underwent scrutiny before being passed in the House, urging the chief minister to follow a similar process.
Expressing worries about the potential impact on students’ futures, the Congress legislator urged the chief minister to refer the Bill to the select committee or experts for proper scrutiny, emphasizing that they were not seeking withdrawal but a thorough examination.
In response, Chief Minister Manik Saha defended the Himalayan Universal Educational Trust, citing its experience in running similar institutions in other States and asserting that the organization had already acquired land spreading across 5.40 acre in Udaipur, Gumati district, adhering to UGC guidelines.
He emphasized the benefits for students, who could not complete college due to various reasons.
The Bill for the establishment of Mata Tripura Sundari Open University was ultimately passed in the House, leading to the controversy by CPI(M) and Congress MLAs.
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