‘Govt committed for development of Kokborok language’

As promised a year back, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Sunday, to mark the celebration of the 42nd Kokborok Day had delivered his speech in Kokborok.

“People can learn any language if they accept it by heart—one just needs to develop such mentality. In Tripura out of the 32 percent indigenous population 29 percent speaks Kokborok,” Deb said

Previous year during the same programme here at Umakata mini stadium, Deb, a Bengali-speaking Chief Minister had committed to address his next speech on this occation in Kokborok and kept his promise.

Only two days ago, Deb, became the first non-Kokborok speaking Chief Minister of Tripura to deliver a speech in Kokborok language in the House.

The Kokborok speech delivered by the Chief Minister invited wholehearted appreciation from all sections of people.

On the occasion of 42nd Kokborok Day the entire speech was in Kokborok — which he made it possible within a very short period.

“Being the Chief Minister, I am happy to address the Kokborok-speaking people in their mother tongue. I prepared the speech only last night,” he said while congratulating the Indigenous people on this auspicious day.

The CM also announced to cabinet decision of renaming of Barmura hill range as “Hathai Kotor”.

In another note, the Chief Minister said the state government had already sent a proposal to Centre for sanctioning special package of over Rs. 8000 crore for the development of Janajati people and the proposal is under consideration.

“We also initiated more empowerment to ADC— the number of seats to be increased from 30 to 50 (including nominated) along with 42 departments,” Deb said.

The Chief Minister in his speech said the state government is committed for development of Kokborok language.

“Earlier, Kokborok subject was being taught in 94 senior basic, 52 Madhyamik schools and 20 Higher Secondary. Now, the numbers have increased to 139, 100 and 41 respectively,” Shri Deb said adding that the state government had declared twelve tribal-dominated backward blocks as “aspirational block”.

Apart from this, the state government is working in every sector– Healthcare, Education, and Infrastructure for the development of Indigenous people.

“When we shall go to the people before 2023 elections, we shall represent a report card of development. If people are satisfied, they will vote for us,” Deb said.

He also pointed out that Tripura is the land of democracy— the state government gave permission to various political parties for organizing party programmes like rally, meeting in almost 99 percent cases.

The Chief Minister also took part in a colourful rally that showcased rich heritage and culture of the indigenous people amid participation of a large number of youths.

Revenue minister- N.C. Debbarma, Education Minister- Ratanlal Nath, Tribal Welfare minister- Mevar Kumar Jamatia, Social Education and Social Welfare Minister- Santana Chakma and many others were also present in the programme.