Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday said it is time for Tripura to become an active participant in India's financial growth story by building capacity, educating entrepreneurs, and encouraging public institutions to tap into capital markets to achieve financial self-reliance.

The Chief Minister made the remarks while addressing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Stock Exchange (NSE), SIPARD, the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, and the Directorate of Skill Development at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala.

Describing the initiative as a new chapter in Tripura's journey towards inclusive economic growth, Dr. Saha said the collaboration with India's largest financial exchange would significantly strengthen financial literacy, investor awareness, and securities market training for the state's youth.

"Our engagement with the National Stock Exchange of India Limited represents a landmark step towards strengthening financial literacy, investor awareness, and securities market training for the youth of Tripura. I commend SIPARD, the Directorate of Industries & Commerce, and the Directorate of Skill Development for joining hands with the NSE in this important initiative," he said.

The Chief Minister said the partnership with a reputed national financial institution reflects Tripura's readiness to embrace emerging economic opportunities.

"Over the last six years, we have doubled the state's Gross Domestic Product, while Tripura's per capita income is now at par with the national average. To further accelerate economic growth, the government is committed to creating a vibrant ecosystem that promotes entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, skill development, investment, greater financial participation, and digital transformation," he said.

Highlighting the importance of financial education, Dr. Saha said government officials, entrepreneurs, MSMEs, students, and educational institutions must be equipped with greater knowledge of financial markets and investment opportunities.

He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasised financial literacy through initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and the expansion of digital payments.

"The stage is now set for our youth to enter the financial services sector. The National Stock Exchange has an investor base of over 13 crore, growing at an annual rate of 26 per cent during the last five years. Thanks to the NSE's efforts, India's capital market is no longer confined to metropolitan cities," he said.

The Chief Minister said the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector has emerged as one of the country's fastest-growing employment sectors and presents significant opportunities for Tripura's youth.

Referring to the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0, he said the scheme prioritises future-ready skills, including financial services.

"As part of this collaboration, the National Stock Exchange and the Directorate of Skill Development will jointly develop a curriculum covering capital markets, mutual funds, insurance, and investment advisory. The NSE will bear the programme cost, while the state government will provide training venues. This initiative will enhance the employability of our students and youth in the financial services sector," he said.

Dr. Saha also announced that the state government has decided to establish a foreign language school in collaboration with the Ramakrishna Mission to help equip Tripura's youth for employment opportunities in international financial markets.

He said the MoU between NSE and SIPARD would create a network of certified master trainers to promote investor education across the state. At the same time, the partnership between the Directorate of Industries & Commerce and the NSE would help MSMEs, startups, and entrepreneurs gain better access to financial and capital market opportunities.

Highlighting Tripura's economic potential, the Chief Minister said the state is on the cusp of an infrastructure and trade renaissance, driven by improved cross-border connectivity with Bangladesh and strategic regional initiatives.

He noted that Tripura has consistently performed well in business reforms, deregulation, and compliance reduction, creating a more business-friendly environment.

"MSMEs are the backbone of Tripura's economy, particularly in agro-processing, handloom, bamboo, horticulture, and rubber manufacturing. However, access to credit continues to remain a major challenge. The time has come for the flow of capital from cities to towns and from towns to villages. By building capacity, educating entrepreneurs, and encouraging public institutions to access capital markets, we can build a financially self-reliant and prosperous Tripura," he said.