Tipra Motha Demands Recognition of Roman Script for Kokborok, Citing Constitutional Rights..
- Jan 15
- 2 min read
On Thursday, elected representatives of the TIPRA Motha Party submitted a joint memorandum to Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha, demanding the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok/Kaubru language in Tripura. The representatives included members of the Tripura Legislative Assembly (TLA) and the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC).
The memorandum, submitted under the leadership of Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, Chairman of the TTAADC Administrative Reform Committee, stated that for a long time the imposition of another script has hampered the natural development and widespread acceptance of the Kokborok language. They argued that recognition of the Roman script would empower Kokborok speakers and establish linguistic justice.
Citing constitutional provisions, the memorandum emphasized that granting recognition to the Roman script for Kokborok is fully constitutional, and the state government has the full authority to make this decision. It also noted that failure to recognize the Roman script could amount to a violation of Articles 14, 29(1), 350A, and the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
The memorandum explicitly stated:
“The adoption and use of the Roman script for the Kokborok/Kaubru language across education, administration, and public life is not only reasonable but constitutionally mandatory.”
The representatives presented four key demands to the Chief Minister:
Adoption of the Roman script as the official script for Kokborok.
Printing of Kokborok question papers in Roman script in CBSE, ICSE, and TBSE examinations.
Publication of all Kokborok textbooks in Roman script.
Use of Roman script for Kokborok in all state government recruitment exams, including the Tripura Public Service Commission.
The memorandum also highlighted historical context: the Tripura Official Language Act of 1979 (amended in 1964) had recognized Kokborok as a state language. However, demands for the Roman script have existed since 1967. Several expert committees, including those led by Shyamacharan Tripura, Kumudkund Chowdhury, and Pavitra Sarkar, had recommended the Roman script based on public opinion surveys.
Expressing hope for a swift resolution of this longstanding linguistic issue, TIPRA Motha representatives said they are optimistic that the state government will soon take positive and effective measures, keeping in mind the equality and aspirations of Kokborok speakers.
