Tripura becomes first state to provide Wi-Fi in all government colleges

Tripura has become the first state in India to provide Wi-Fi access in all its government general degree colleges, marking a major step toward digitizing higher education.

Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the new internet facilities in 11 colleges, completing the state’s digital network expansion across campuses.

Officials said the initiative will benefit thousands of students and faculty members by improving access to online learning, research, and collaboration.

The government now plans to extend the Wi-Fi network to five polytechnic institutes in the next phase.

The project, launched in October last year, was executed in two phases. The first connected 19 colleges with a 100 Mbps backbone network, while the second phase has now brought the remaining 11 institutions online.

Each campus is equipped with about 20 wireless access points to ensure seamless connectivity. The entire project cost ₹12.32 crore.

Chief Minister Saha said the effort reflects the state’s commitment to integrating technology with education.

“It bridges the digital divide, encourages collaboration and innovation, and enhances digital literacy among students,” he said.

During the event, Saha also announced an expansion of the Mukhyamantri Yuba Yogayog Yojana (MYYY), which provides ₹5,000 to college students to purchase mobile phones.

“Earlier, only final-year students of government general degree colleges were eligible for the assistance. Now, first- and second-year students will also be covered. This initiative will certainly boost digital education,” he added.

He further stated that the state government has allotted land to Bharti Airtel to set up a data center near Agartala, with an investment of ₹200 crore.

Finance and IT Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman, and Industries and IT Secretary Kiran Gitte also attended the inauguration ceremony.