After weeks of protests and exchange of barbs, TBSE allows both Roman, Bengali scripts for Kokborok exam in Tripura

Tripura’s primary Opposition TIPRA Motha party has been demanding the Roman script to be declared as the official script for the indigenous language and as one of the scripts allowed for board exams.

Speaking to The Indian Express on Tuesday, TBSE president Dr Dhananjoy Ganchoudhury said, “Both the scripts would now be allowed. Over 130 faculty members from different colleges and universities of the state met me today (Tuesday) and submitted a written undertaking that if the board asks them for help, they will evaluate Kokborok answer scripts written in the Roman script.”

“We had asked candidates to write in the Bengali script since we had a dearth of examiners and their qualifications and convenience with the Roman script were an issue. But now we have issued a new order which says candidates can write in both the scripts. We shall pass necessary instructions to all examination centres by February 10,” he said.

The Kokborok script controversy and what led to it

The controversy arose from a purported comment of Ganchoudhury, though no such written order was issued, saying Roman script wouldn’t be allowed for the Kokborok exams.

Ganchoudhury said, “My comments on the script of preference were reported in a wrong manner by some media.”

The TIPRA Motha had earlier protested Ganchoudhury’s comment and had appealed to the state government to take the matter seriously, while apprehending that there might be disturbances in law and order due to the decision.

A series of protests ensued. Several people, including Leader of Opposition Animesh Debbarma, TIPRA Motha founder and royal scion-turned-politician Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, the Roman Script for Kokborok Choba (RSKC) – an umbrella organization of 56 tribal cultural and several social organisations among others joined the protests.

Amid protests, the TBSE had asked the examination centre in-charges to inform the nearby police stations about the examination schedules of Classes X and XII. It had also asked the in-charges to ask the police to ensure a peaceful situation during the exams and to ensure adequate force if they suspect problems may occur.

Change in decision before instructions from Centre

Ganchoudhury had earlier said that he has interacted with Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, who holds the Education portfolio, on the issue and had added that the latter had said that the Tripura government is contacting the Centre and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and would inform if there is any new guideline from Delhi.

Asked why he changed his decision without any new instruction from Delhi, Ganchoudhry on Tuesday said, “The exams commence in 20 days. It’s not fair for me to have the examinees stay in anxiety anymore. Whatever guidelines come from the Centre, we shall arrange for proper evaluation in both the scripts.”

Move to allow both scripts hailed

Tribal student bodies and cultural organisations have welcomed the TBSE’s decision, with most of them saying it is a positive move.

Kishore went live on social media and said, “A few days back, the TBSE announced that indigenous students would not be given the option to write their Kokborok exam in the Roman script. The previous norm of choosing either of Roman or Bengali script was not allowed anymore. A huge opposition came from the civil society, the opposition leader and myself. We said if they don’t change their decision, we would change them. Due to pressure from our students, civil society and the unity, they (TBSE) have reversed their decision. Some issues are bigger than politics and party…Community and people build a country. No party is bigger than this.”

Kishore also alleged that the move to deny the Roman script for Kokborok exams was a part of a “larger conspiracy” to keep tribals uneducated, poor and ineligible for jobs.

He cited examples of community integrity in Nagaland, Mizoram or other states of the Northeast region and said tribals in Tripura are divided along political lines and fight among each other.

“We must expand our thoughts. We must improve the system and our thoughts. True welfare will happen when our next generation will be educated…That’s why I said we need a Constitutional solution for tribals, not a personal one,” Kishore said.

The royal scion also said tribals aren’t ready to be bullied anymore and said all communities should work together for the welfare and development of the state.