Agartala, Feb 02: The CBSE has given a verbal assurance that preparations will be made in the coming years to introduce Kokborok question papers in Roman Script for Class 10 and 12 board examinations, said Executive Member (Education) Rabindra Debbarma.
These remarks were made during a press conference addressed this evening at Chandramahal here by EM Rabindra Debbarma, along with Tipra Motha Party spokespersons Rajeshwar Debbarma and C.K. Jamatia.
Sharing details of their interaction with CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh held on January 29, Debbarma said that five delegations of the Tipra Motha Party met the Chairman and raised the long-standing demand for Roman Script in Kokborok subject question papers. He said the Chairman initially stated that since the question papers had already been printed, the matter would require interaction with the state government. However, he later gave a verbal assurance that the Board would take necessary preparations in the upcoming years to frame Kokborok question papers in Roman Script.
Debbarma said the Chairman was informed about the recommendations of the Three Language Commission, which favoured Roman Script. He added that the Chairman also sought information on other developments, following which he was informed that various social and linguistic groups had earlier advocated the same demand.
Arguing that the use of Roman Script does not make it a foreign script, EM Debbarma cited the example that when top leaders visit states like Bihar, local languages such as Bhojpuri are often provided in Roman Script for ease of communication.
He further stated that earlier, a delegation led by him along with MLAs Biswajit Kalai, Manab Debbarma, Philip Kumar Reang and MDC Uma Sankar Debbarma had met Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha regarding the Roman Script issue in board examinations. According to Debbarma, the Chief Minister had assured that the memorandum submitted by Tipra Motha leaders would be forwarded to the CBSE Chairman and advised the party leadership to meet him directly. However, Debbarma alleged that the memorandum never reached Delhi.
Expressing hope, EM Debbarma said that in the coming days the CBSE may take a decisive step towards introducing Roman Script question papers for Kokborok in Class 10 and 12 board examinations.
He also strongly condemned the alleged warning issued by TBSE President Dr. Dhananajoy Gan Chowdhury that FIRs would be lodged and police deployed against students writing Kokborok answers in Roman Script at examination centres.
Debbarma said that if such statements are not withdrawn, the party would explore legal options against the TBSE President.
EM Debbarma also informed that in the coming days, the party founder would chair a meeting with the Tipra Employees’ Federation to reconstitute the state-level committee.
