Agartala, June 15 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday said the school dropout rate in the state has declined significantly due to sustained government efforts to strengthen the education sector, particularly by promoting girls’ education and ensuring access to quality learning opportunities.

Addressing a bicycle distribution programme for Class IX students in Agartala, the Chief Minister said that empowering women remains one of the government’s key priorities, and several initiatives have been undertaken to encourage girl students to pursue education and achieve their full potential.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasised that the development of the country and society is not possible without the development and empowerment of women.

“Women constitute nearly 50 per cent of the population. Therefore, initiatives have been taken to support their overall development and expand educational opportunities for them. Following the vision of the Prime Minister, the state government is also working continuously in this direction,” said Saha, who also holds the Elementary and Secondary Education portfolios.

Highlighting the government’s efforts to improve access to education, he said that around 41,800 bicycles are being distributed among students studying in various schools across the state this year.

“The primary objective of distributing bicycles is to ensure that students can reach school on time and attend classes regularly. It will also encourage girls to continue their studies with greater enthusiasm. This initiative has been undertaken to further strengthen girls’ education, and similar programmes will continue in the future under the School Education Department,” he said.

The Chief Minister noted that the dropout rate in Tripura has now decreased considerably, reflecting the positive impact of the government’s educational initiatives. He stressed that when girls receive quality education, the benefits extend beyond the individual to the entire family, ultimately contributing to the development of society, the state and the nation.

“If girls are given opportunities, they can prove their abilities in every field. That is why the Prime Minister has accorded special importance to women’s education. The protection, welfare and empowerment of women are extremely important for building a progressive society,” Saha said.

He further pointed out that women have been making significant strides in public life in Tripura.

“In the state’s three‑tier panchayat system, women public representatives account for more than 50 per cent. Similarly, in the Agartala Municipal Corporation and other urban local bodies, nearly half of the elected representatives are women. Our goal is to further empower women and create greater opportunities for their participation in all sectors. Women in the state are now actively joining various clubs, organisations and social initiatives,” he added.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to education, the Chief Minister said that several schemes and programmes have been launched to promote girls’ education and ensure that students receive quality education in a conducive environment.

The Chief Minister also urged students to contribute towards the vision of building a “Viksit Tripura” and a developed India through education, discipline and social responsibility. He advised students to remain vigilant against the dangers of drug abuse and emphasised that awareness among young people is essential to tackle the growing menace of substance abuse.

“Along with studies, students must stay alert and informed about the harmful effects of drugs. Teachers also play a crucial role in this regard. If any changes are noticed in the behaviour, habits or daily activities of students, timely intervention and appropriate measures should be taken,” he said.

The programme was attended by Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, School Education Secretary Milind Ramteke, senior officials of the Education Department and other dignitaries.

–IANS

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