Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced a significant policy shift to promote indigenous languages in Assam’s education system. Over 300 schools in the state will introduce instruction in Mising, Tiwa, and Deori to preserve and strengthen these languages among younger generations. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to inclusive education and cultural preservation.
According to an official notification issued on April 2, 2025, by the Department of School Education, 28 schools will operate as Deori Medium Lower Primary Schools, while 98 will function as Tiwa Medium Lower Primary Schools. The remaining institutions will provide instruction in Mising. The move reflects the state’s ongoing efforts to integrate indigenous languages into mainstream education, ensuring that students from tribal communities receive primary education in their mother tongue.
Sarma emphasized that this decision is a step toward fulfilling the aspirations of Assam’s tribal populations. He reiterated that preserving indigenous languages is essential for maintaining cultural identity. The government, he said, has worked closely with tribal leaders and linguistic experts to design the curriculum and teaching methodologies.
Teachers with expertise in Mising, Tiwa, and Deori will be recruited and trained to implement the curriculum effectively. Education officials are preparing guidelines to facilitate a smooth transition to multilingual education. The state will also provide resources, including textbooks and teaching aids, to ensure quality learning experiences for students.
Parents from indigenous communities have welcomed the initiative, expressing confidence that it will help their children retain their linguistic heritage while accessing quality education. Several community leaders have praised the government for taking a decisive step toward preserving tribal languages, which they say have faced decline in recent years due to limited institutional support.
Experts believe that introducing regional languages at the primary level fosters stronger cognitive development and enhances learning outcomes. Research suggests that children learn better when taught in their mother tongue, particularly in the foundational years of education. This approach not only strengthens comprehension but also boosts confidence and academic performance.
The introduction of these languages into Assam’s education system is part of a broader effort to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for multilingual education. Assam has already introduced similar measures in other tribal-dominated areas, and officials are monitoring the progress to refine language policies further.
Government sources have confirmed that additional funding will be allocated for training programs, infrastructural improvements, and the production of high-quality learning materials. The Assam State Textbook Production and Publication Corporation has already begun work on developing age-appropriate textbooks in Mising, Tiwa, and Deori.
The success of this initiative will depend on the effective implementation of teaching strategies and sustained government support. The Education Department has set up monitoring committees to track progress and address challenges in real-time. Authorities are also considering introducing indigenous languages at the secondary level in the future, based on the program’s impact.
As Assam continues to embrace linguistic diversity in its education policies, the decision to incorporate Mising, Tiwa, and Deori into school curricula marks a historic moment for the state’s tribal communities. The government remains committed to ensuring that students from these backgrounds receive equitable educational opportunities without losing connection to their cultural roots.
