Tripura University & NIT Agartala Host Major Youth Exchange Programme, NEC Releases Over 81 Crore for Northeast Development

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, February 12, 2026

Tripura emerged as a major hub of academic and cultural exchange as Tripura University and the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Agartala successfully hosted the prestigious Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme, an initiative aimed at strengthening national integration and promoting cultural understanding among youth from different parts of India.

Tripura University, Agartala hosted the 5th Batch of the programme from January 4 to January 17, 2026. The inaugural ceremony was held on January 5 at the university campus. Prof. Shyamal Das, Vice-Chancellor (In-charge), Tripura University, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Shri Richard L. Jongte, Deputy Adviser (IPR), North Eastern Council (NEC), attended as Guest of Honour.

The 14-day programme witnessed participation from students of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Various academic, cultural and interactive sessions were organized to expose the visiting students to the rich heritage, traditions and developmental perspectives of the North Eastern Region.

At NIT Agartala, the programme commenced on January 20, 2026 in the presence of Shri Richard L. Jongte, Deputy Adviser (IPR), NEC. The valedictory session was held on February 2, 2026, with Prof. (Dr.) Sarat Kumar Patra, Director, NIT Agartala, as Chief Guest and Shri Raise P.A., Director (Evaluation & Monitoring), NEC, as Guest of Honour.

Students from Bihar and Gujarat participated in the 9-day structured academic and cultural exchange programme at NIT Agartala. Participants shared their enriching experiences of academic learning and cultural immersion before certificates were distributed. The programme reaffirmed the institutes’ commitment toward youth leadership, national unity and the vision of Viksit Bharat.

NEC Releases Over Rs.81.50 Crore in January 2026

In a significant boost to developmental activities across the Northeast, the North Eastern Council (NEC) released a total fund of Rs.81,50,78,461 during January 2026. The amount was disbursed to various Northeastern states as well as regional and central agencies for multiple infrastructure and socio-economic projects.

The fund releases reflect NEC’s continuous focus on strengthening infrastructure, livelihood generation, cultural promotion, research and innovation across the region.

Tripura Receives Rs.4.64 Crore Under NEC Schemes

Tripura received Rs.4,64,00,000 from NEC during January 2026 for several important projects including:

• Construction of 50 Type-III residential quarters for hostel superintendents in ST and SC hostels

• Afforestation projects in denuded areas of South and West Tripura through agroforestry

• Establishment of a Veterinary Clinical Complex at C.V. Sc. & A.H., R.K. Nagar, Agartala

These initiatives are expected to strengthen education, environmental sustainability and veterinary infrastructure in the state.

RS.6.18 Crore for Road Connectivity in Tripura

Under the NESIDS (Roads) scheme, NEC released Rs.6.18 crore for key road connectivity projects in Tripura. The major project includes the upgradation and improvement of the Hmunpuii NH-44 to Damcherra (Tripura–Mizoram Border) road via Monchung.

The project will benefit nearly 2.68 lakh people across 9 villages by improving access to remote and administrative areas.

Support to Central and Regional Agencies

Apart from state-specific releases, NEC disbursed Rs. 32,59,10,251 to various central, regional and other agencies including educational and cultural organizations.

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