Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma has urged the Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, to allow the use of the Roman script for the Kokborok language in examinations conducted by the Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE) and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). He emphasized that this decision would ensure linguistic inclusivity and address the long-standing concerns of the indigenous community in Tripura.
In his letter, Pradyot stated that Kokborok speakers have been facing difficulties due to the script-related challenges in the education system. He argued that many students find the Roman script more accessible and that its inclusion in board examinations would enable a larger section of the indigenous population to pursue education without linguistic barriers. He pointed out that Kokborok is the mother tongue of a significant portion of Tripura’s indigenous population and that the flexibility of choosing a script would enhance literacy rates among tribal students.
The demand for recognizing the Roman script has been ongoing for years, with indigenous groups highlighting the need for educational reforms that align with the preferences of native speakers. Pradyot reminded the minister that several other Indian languages, such as Konkani and Santali, have been permitted to use the Roman script in different educational boards. He urged the government to take a similar approach to ensure fairness for Kokborok-speaking students.
The demand for Roman script is not new, as many activists and scholars have long argued that Kokborok has historically been written in multiple scripts, including both Roman and Bengali. However, the Tripura government has traditionally favored the Bengali script for official purposes. Pradyot reiterated that allowing students to choose the Roman script would not only empower them but also contribute to preserving their linguistic heritage.
He also highlighted the practical benefits of this shift, citing how Roman script is more user-friendly for digital platforms, making it easier for students to type and access educational resources online. He expressed concern that restricting the use of the Roman script could lead to a decline in student performance and increase dropout rates among Kokborok speakers who struggle with the Bengali script.
Many students and tribal organizations have welcomed Pradyot’s initiative, stating that it reflects the genuine needs of the community. They argue that the Roman script has been widely used in Kokborok literature, newspapers, and social media, making it a natural choice for examination purposes. Some students also pointed out that they find it easier to grasp the phonetics of Kokborok in the Roman script compared to Bengali.
Educational experts in Tripura have voiced mixed opinions on the issue. Some have supported the demand, citing linguistic diversity and the importance of preserving indigenous identities. Others believe that the state should maintain a uniform script policy for administrative ease. They argue that transitioning to the Roman script for board exams could create logistical challenges for examiners and curriculum planners.
The state government has yet to respond officially to Pradyot’s request, but the issue is likely to spark a broader debate on language policies in Tripura. Political analysts believe that the demand could gain momentum as it aligns with the larger movement for tribal rights and representation in the state.
Pradyot remains firm on his stance, stating that the government must recognize the linguistic realities of the indigenous population. He stressed that the move would not harm any community but would rather create a more inclusive educational environment. He called on the Union Education Ministry to engage with local stakeholders and experts to arrive at a practical solution that benefits students.
With growing support from students, educators, and tribal organizations, the demand for the Roman script in Kokborok examinations is expected to remain a key issue in Tripura’s education landscape. Whether the government will heed this request remains to be seen, but Pradyot’s push for linguistic inclusivity has reignited a critical discussion on indigenous rights in the state.
