Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday said preliminary work for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has commenced in the state, even as the formal notification for the exercise is awaited.
Addressing reporters after attending a workshop organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Saha sought to allay concerns, stating that there was no need for people to panic over the revision process.
“The Election Commission has initiated SIR in different states to ensure that no valid voters are left out. In our state, officials have already begun preliminary work for the exercise even as formal notification is yet to be issued,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasised that the objective of the SIR exercise is to ensure comprehensive and accurate electoral rolls. He said the ruling party would extend assistance to voters during the process so that no eligible individual is excluded.
“In today’s workshop, we discussed how the party can extend help to the voters during the SIR exercise. We will ensure that no valid voter is left out of the electoral rolls,” Saha said.
He also highlighted the state’s geographical sensitivity, noting that Tripura shares a long border with Bangladesh. “Tripura is surrounded by Bangladesh on three sides. We have to ensure all the eligible voters get a fair chance to exercise their democratic rights,” he added.
The Chief Minister also responded to opposition concerns regarding the introduction of private universities in the state. Members of the CPI(M) and Congress had staged a walkout in the Assembly on Friday in protest against three bills that allow the establishment of private universities.
Defending the move, Saha cited the example of Sikkim, which he said has 23 operational universities despite having a population of around eight lakh.
“If Sikkim, having a population of 8 lakh, can have 23 operational universities, why can’t Tripura have more such institutions? Today, Sikkim has the highest GSDP and per capita income among the northeastern states,” he said.
Saha maintained that the establishment of new universities would attract students from outside the state, thereby boosting the local economy. However, he assured that strict regulatory oversight would be maintained.
“We will keep a close eye on the functioning of the new universities. The government will not allow them to function if they do not have UGC approval or registration,” he said.
The developments come as the state government pushes ahead with both electoral preparedness and higher education reforms, amid political debate and opposition scrutiny.
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