Tripura Congress MLA Criticizes Age Limit Rule for Assistant Professor Recruitment, Urges CM to Follow UGC Norms

In a strong and clear call for academic reform, Tripura Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman has urged Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha to abolish the current age limit imposed on assistant professor recruitment in the state. The legislator highlighted that the existing policy contradicts the University Grants Commission (UGC) norms, thereby denying many eligible candidates their rightful opportunity in the higher education sector.

Sudip Roy Barman has been vocal in defending the rights of students and young aspirants across Tripura, and this latest plea is seen as a significant push towards academic fairness and inclusivity. He emphasized that educational qualifications—not age—should be the deciding factor in assistant professor recruitment.

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Assistant Professor Recruitment: A Policy Under Scrutiny

The present regulation in Tripura sets an upper age limit for the recruitment of assistant professors in state-run educational institutions. However, this restriction is not in line with the UGC norms, which do not prescribe an upper age cap for such appointments. According to Barman, this deviation has led to frustration among many qualified aspirants who are willing and capable of contributing to the academic landscape but are disqualified due to age.

He stated that assistant professor recruitment should be an equal-opportunity domain where merit and competence are prioritized over bureaucratic boundaries.

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MLA’s Letter to CM: A Plea for Policy Reform

In a written letter to CM Dr. Manik Saha, Barman underlined the importance of adhering to national academic standards, especially those laid down by the UGC. He urged the Chief Minister to initiate the necessary steps to revise the state’s recruitment policies and ensure that Tripura’s higher education system remains competitive and inclusive.

He mentioned that the removal of the age limit in assistant professor recruitment would not only align Tripura with UGC norms but also offer a renewed chance to passionate academicians who have been preparing for this role for years.

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Student and Aspirant Reactions: Hope Restored

The appeal has resonated deeply with the student and teaching communities across Tripura. Aspirants who have long felt excluded from academic roles due to age restrictions see this as a potential turning point. Social media platforms have been buzzing with support for Barman’s suggestion, with hashtags like #AssistantProfessorRecruitment and #RemoveAgeLimit trending among Tripura’s youth.

One postgraduate aspirant, Anjali Das, expressed, “We prepare for years to become subject experts. To be rejected just because of age is unfair. I hope the government considers this request.”

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UGC Norms and National Practices

As per the University Grants Commission’s guidelines, there is no upper age limit for recruitment to academic positions like assistant professor, associate professor, or professor. This provision ensures that academic institutions get access to the most qualified and experienced individuals, irrespective of age.

States like Kerala, Maharashtra, and West Bengal follow the UGC norms strictly in this matter. The Tripura government, however, continues to apply age caps, which has drawn widespread criticism from educators and job seekers alike. Barman’s appeal could be the catalyst needed to bring Tripura’s assistant professor recruitment in line with national standards.

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Political Implications: Congress vs. BJP

This move by Sudip Roy Barman is being seen as both a social and political statement. With state elections approaching, education and employment are becoming central issues. Barman’s stance places Congress in a position of championing youth rights and academic freedom, whereas the BJP-led state government may now be under pressure to revise policies or risk alienating young voters.

Observers note that the assistant professor recruitment issue is just one of many policy areas where outdated regulations hinder growth and inclusivity.

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The Need for a Long-Term Vision in Education

The call to abolish the age limit for assistant professor recruitment also brings to light the broader need for educational reform in Tripura. As the state aspires to become a knowledge hub, aligning with national and international academic standards is essential. This includes not only recruitment norms but also improving infrastructure, research facilities, and teacher training.

Educational experts argue that the government must adopt a long-term, inclusive strategy if it wants to empower students and elevate Tripura’s academic reputation.

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Final Words: A Step Toward Equality in Education

Sudip Roy Barman’s initiative is being hailed as a progressive and much-needed intervention. It opens a broader conversation on how government policies should be dynamic and fair, especially in the education sector. The removal of age limits in assistant professor recruitment would signify a major step forward in dismantling barriers that hold back qualified individuals from serving the academic community.

As the state government mulls over the suggestion, thousands of aspirants are watching closely, hoping that their voices will finally be heard.