Tripura Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman has called for strict action against vandalism on college campuses, saying educational institutions must remain free from violence and political confrontation. He urged students and staff to protect public property and preserve colleges as spaces for learning, discipline and character building.
Key Takeaways
- Kishor Barman said the government will not tolerate vandalism or indiscipline in colleges.
- He warned that those responsible for damaging public property will face action after investigation.
- The minister urged students and teachers to keep campuses peaceful and focused on education.
Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman has warned that the government will not tolerate vandalism, violence or indiscipline on college campuses. He said every incident must be investigated and those responsible must face appropriate action.
Barman made the remarks while responding to concerns over incidents of vandalism linked to protests and political activities at colleges. He stressed that educational institutions must remain peaceful and focused on academic activities.
No Tolerance for Vandalism
Barman said the government would not make exceptions for anyone involved in damaging college property.
He said investigations would determine who was responsible for such incidents. Once the facts are established, the authorities will take action against those found guilty.
“If there are incidents anywhere, they will be properly investigated,” Barman said. He added that the government would take necessary steps through the Higher Education Department whenever such incidents occur.
The minister also appealed to students, teachers and non-teaching staff to help maintain discipline on campuses.
Colleges Must Remain Places of Learning
Barman said colleges should not become centres of political confrontation.
He urged students to maintain a peaceful academic environment. He also called upon teachers and other employees to support efforts to protect the learning atmosphere.
According to the minister, a college has a broader role than providing classroom education. It helps shape students’ personalities and character. It also contributes to the development of responsible citizens.
“College is not a place for politics or fighting,” Barman said.
He described colleges as institutions that contribute to individual development and nation-building. Therefore, he said, protecting the academic environment would remain a priority for the government.
Minister Recalls His College Experience
Barman also referred to his own experience as a student at Belonia College.
He said he had faced difficulties during his final year under the previous government. According to him, he could not appear for his final-year examination at Belonia College.
His examination centre was subsequently changed, allowing him to sit for the examination at another college.
Barman alleged that the political activities of student organisations during that period affected the careers of many students. He claimed that thousands of students faced similar problems.
He said such a situation should never return to Tripura’s educational institutions.
Public Property Cannot Be Targeted
The minister expressed particular concern over the destruction of college gates, doors, windows, furniture and computers during protests.
He said such assets belong to the government and, ultimately, to the people.
Barman rejected the idea of treating public property as the property of any political organisation or group. He said damaging college infrastructure harms the wider public.
“If it is proved who destroyed public property, no one will be spared,” he said.
The government, he added, would take steps to recover the cost of damage from those found responsible.
Investigation to Establish Responsibility
Barman was also questioned about allegations made by opposition student groups against ABVP in connection with vandalism.
The minister said allegations alone would not determine responsibility. An investigation would establish who was involved.
He maintained that action would follow against anyone found responsible, irrespective of their political identity or organisational affiliation.
Barman’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the politicisation of college campuses and damage to educational infrastructure. His message was clear: protests cannot become a justification for destroying public property.
The minister said the government’s priority would remain the preservation of peace, discipline and a proper academic environment across Tripura’s colleges.
