Assam: 'Santali' language to be introduced as a medium of instruction in schools

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• May 19, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, decided to recognize the OL CIKI script for the...

Digital Desk: The Assam Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, decided to recognize the OL CIKI script for the Santali language in Assam.

Informing the cabinet decision on Friday in Guwahati, state education minister Ranoj Pegu stated, "Introduction of Santali as a medium of instruction will help in providing pre-primary and primary education to Santali communities. Many states speak Santali, a language that is recognized in the Constitution's 8th schedule."

The All Santal Students' Union applauded the state cabinet decision and welcomed the cabinet's move.

All Santal Students' Union president Mintu Hembram said, "The introduction of the Santali language in primary schools has been our long-standing demand. We have been raising this demand, in addition to the All-Assam Santali Sahitya Sabha, since 2005. Therefore, I welcome the state cabinet's decision. I hope the Assam government will take all necessary steps to advance the Santali language as much as the Assamese language. The Assamese Santal community is delighted regarding the government's decision."

Meanwhile, the cabinet granted approval for Rs 852.68 crore for the expedited construction of a 4-lane Elevated Corridor on GNB Road from Dighalipukhuri to Noonmati near FCI Godown with a 2-lane expanded arm towards Rajgarh Road under State Owned Priority Development (SOPD) for 2023–24.

The government has also decided to abolish the office of Divisional Commissioner and the statutory powers that it entails, which will now be exercised by the Principal Secretary, GAD.

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Following that, the workers and assets of the Divisional Commissioner's office will be transferred to the respective DCs.

Further, DCs will now be known as District Commissioners, and they will have the authority to transfer Gazetted, Non-Gazetted, third, and fourth-grade employees within their respective districts; however, for Gazetted employees, the DCs will need the authorization of the Guardian Minister prior to the transfer.

On the other hand, the cabinet decided to authorize the rollout of Category-III of the Assam Microfinance Incentive and Relief Scheme (AMFIRS), 2021.