Assam plans to introduce tribal language textbooks in schools
In a landmark decision, the Assam government has announced the introduction of tribal language textbooks in primary schools across the state. This will help impart basic education though the use of multilingual teaching medium in the foundational and preparatory phases of school education.
It is a significant step towards promoting and preserving the rich linguistic heritage of Assam’s diverse tribal communities.
The announcement of the introduction of tribal language textbooks in primary schools was made in a meeting organized by SCERT in Guwahati. The announcement, made by Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, follows the National Education Policy‘s criteria on mother tongue instruction in early childhood education.
Taking to X, the state education minister wrote, “Held a discussion with the linguistic organisations of Mising, Rabha, Tiwa, Deuri, Karbi, Dimasa, Hmar and Garo communities to finalise the road map for the introduction of these languages as medium of instruction in the foundational and preparatory stages of school education.”
Held a discussion with the linguistic organisations of Mising, Rabha, Tiwa, Deuri, Karbi, Dimasa, Hmar and Garo communities to finalise the road map for the introduction of these languages as medium of instruction in the foundational and preparatory stages of school education. It… pic.twitter.com/Y14sLjJayB
— Ranoj Pegu (@ranojpeguassam) December 7, 2023
The meeting deliberated on the roadmap Sahitya Sabhas of Assam on Language Education Strategy at the Foundational Stage as per NEP, 2020.
“The textbooks will now be accessible in tribal languages such as Mising, Deuri, Dimasa, Tiwa, and others. It will take effect with the upcoming session in the schools,” an official said.
This will enable children to acquire basic education with a strong foundation in their native languages, facilitating a more comfortable and effective learning experience.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma too reiterated the same thing while attending the ceremonial conferment of literary pension for the year 2023 to 23 litterateurs from the state at Lok Sewa Bhawan.
He said, “From the coming academic session, in line with the National Education Policy 2020, imparting of primary education through the medium of a few tribal languages in select schools too shall be introduced, keeping in mind a three-year roadmap ahead.”
The introduction of tribal language textbooks has been a long-standing demand of various tribal organizations and literary bodies. It is expected to enhance the learning experience of students from tribal communities, leading to improved academic performance and a stronger connection to their cultural heritage.
