CBSE Board Exam Controversy: Kokborok Question Paper Printed in Bengali Script Sparks Statewide Protests
Agartala, Tripura: The CBSE Board Exam for the Kokborok language (Subject Code 091) was held on Monday, 17th March 2025, from 10:30 AM to 01:30 PM. The Kokborok question paper, which represents the indigenous language of Tripura, was printed in the Bengali script. As a result, many students were unable to attempt the answers. While a few schools provided translators to convert the Bengali script to Kokborok, the majority of schools did not have such facilities, leaving most students unable to read or respond to the questions.
Twipra Students Federation (TSF) Leads Protests
In response, the Twipra Students Federation (TSF) is protesting against the Government and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). On 18th March 2025, TSF members met with students and their parents to discuss the issue. On 20th March 2025, they organized a press meet and announced a statewide strike across Tripura on 21st March 2025. They have urged all indigenous people of Tripura, political parties, NGOs, and social and cultural organizations to support their movement for the preservation of the Kokborok language in its native script (Roman Script).
Pradyut Debbarma Addresses the Issue
Yesterday, Bubagra Pradyot Debbarma, founder and chairman of the TIPRA MOTHA party, addressed the issue via a Facebook live session. He stated that he had spoken to the Honorable Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha, who assured him that translators would be arranged at all examination centers to resolve the immediate issue. However, Pradyot Debbarma emphasized that this is only a temporary solution and stressed the need for a permanent resolution. He further mentioned that he would discuss the matter with his party’s MLAs and raise the issue during the Vidhan Sabha session, scheduled to begin on 21st March 2025 in Tripura.
Concerns of Indigenous People: Who is Responsible?
Among the indigenous people of Tripura, questions have arisen about who is responsible for imposing the Bengali script on the Kokborok language despite opposition. Many are asking:
- Who is enforcing this decision?
- Is there a political agenda aimed at erasing the culture and history of Tripura’s indigenous people by imposing the Bengali script?
- Is this an attempt to gradually assimilate Kokborok speakers into Bengali linguistic dominance?
Kokborok Language and Its Presence Across Regions
It is worth noting that even Google Translate and the Bible have introduced Kokborok in the Roman script, which the Kokborok-speaking indigenous people of Tripura prefer. According to the 2011 Census report, the number of Kokborok-speaking people in Tripura is 8,80,537. Additionally, Kokborok-speaking communities reside in parts of Assam, Mizoram, and even in Bangladesh.
