Tripura has made history by becoming the first state in India to equip all government colleges with Wi-Fi connectivity, marking a major stride toward bridging the digital divide in higher education.

Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the new digital facilities across 11 colleges on Tuesday, completing a two-phase project that now brings reliable internet access to every government general degree college in the state.

According to officials, the initiative — rolled out under the Digital Tripura mission — will enhance learning, research, and collaboration for thousands of students and faculty members. “This project is a transformative step for higher education, encouraging digital literacy, innovation, and equal access,” Saha said.

Second phase seals Tripura’s digital education network

Launched in October last year, the Wi-Fi project was executed in two phases: the first connected 19 colleges with a 100 Mbps network, while the second extended the same infrastructure to the remaining 11 institutions.

Each college is now equipped with around 20 wireless access points to ensure uninterrupted coverage.

The ₹12.32 crore initiative aims to make online learning and research seamless across campuses — a vital step as the state strengthens its digital infrastructure in education.

Mobile aid expanded to empower more students

Furthering the digital empowerment drive, the Chief Minister announced an expansion of the Mukhyamantri Yuba Yogayog Yojana (MYYY) — a scheme providing ₹5,000 to college students to help them purchase smartphones.

“Earlier, only final-year students were eligible. Now, first- and second-year students will also be included. This will strengthen access to online learning and resources,” Saha said.

He also revealed that the state has allotted land to Bharti Airtel for a ₹200 crore data centre near Agartala, underscoring Tripura’s growing role in India’s digital economy.

Finance and IT Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman, and Industries and IT Secretary Kiran Gitte attended the launch event.