Agartala, February 9:
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Monday underscored the need to embrace new technology, Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the quality of education, while cautioning that traditional textbooks and foundational learning methods must not be overlooked.
Inaugurating a three-day Regional Review and Planning Workshop on School Leadership Development for School Leadership Academies at Pragya Bhavan in Agartala, the Chief Minister Tripura is moving towards a modern, skill-oriented and technology-enabled valu based education system in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, but stressed that digital tools should complement—not replace—core academic learning.
“Technology, IT and AI are the future and we must adopt them to improve the quality of education and make our students globally competitive. But at the same time, textbooks and basic concepts are crucial. Without a strong foundation, technology alone cannot help,” Dr. Saha said.
The workshop is jointly organised by the National Centre for School Leadership (NCSL), National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), New Delhi, in collaboration with the School Leadership Academy (SLA), SCERT Tripura.
Participants include around 50 head teachers and school leaders from six Northeastern states—Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura—along with officials from the central education department.
Referring to the NEP introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2020, Dr. Saha, who also holds the School Education portfolio, said the policy was framed after scientific planning and consultations with educationists, keeping in mind the needs of future generations.
“Guided by the New Education Policy, Tripura is emphasizing qualitative changes in the education system through various initiatives, teacher training, and capacity development programmes. Our aim is not just literacy, but meaningful and holistic learning,” he said.
He stressed that school leaders—headmasters, headmistresses and principals—play a critical role in shaping students’ futures.
“Education should not remain confined within four walls. It must connect with students, their families and society. School leaders must adopt the right attitude and innovative teaching methods,” the Chief Minister said, adding that such workshops will help educators understand modern leadership practices and improve school governance.
Technology with values
Dr. Saha further said that while digital classrooms, smart boards and online resources are being introduced across schools, equal importance must be given to values, discipline and teacher-student interaction.
“Artificial Intelligence and digital tools can support learning, but they cannot replace teachers or books. The human touch in education is irreplaceable,” he remarked.
The inaugural programme was attended by Professor Shashikala Wanjari, Vice Chancellor, NIEPA, New Delhi; Dr. Santwana G. Mishra, Associate Professor and in-charge of NCSL; Dr. Milind Ramteke, Secretary, Education (School); Lalnunnemi Darlong, Director, SCERT, and other officials and education experts.
The workshop will deliberate on strengthening school leadership, sharing best practices, developing training modules and preparing long-term action plans for improving school administration and learning outcomes across the Northeast.
The initiative mirrors similar regional leadership development programmes being organised in other states, aimed at building stronger institutional networks, improving teaching standards and empowering school heads with modern management skills.
With Tripura pushing for reforms under the NEP framework, the state government hopes such collaborative efforts will prepare schools to meet emerging challenges while ensuring that the basics of education remain intact.
