Outrage in Tripura: Bengal-based Schools Force Bengali-Hindi Exam Paper, Students Protest in Frustration

Indigenous Students Denied Fair Examination Opportunity as Question Papers Printed in Bengali Script

Tensions ran high in Tripura as indigenous students from the Kok Borok community staged a protest on March 18, following the sudden switch from Roman to Bengali script on question papers for the Class 10 board exams, despite previous assurances from the Tripura Government and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). This move has caused widespread frustration among students, who are now demanding immediate corrective action from the authorities.

The Tipra Indigenous Students Federation (TISF) and Twipra Students Federation (TSF) have been vocal about the injustice, citing the long-standing demand for the inclusion of the Roman script in examinations. The TISF submitted a memorandum to the President of the Tripura Board of Secondary Education (TBSE), urging immediate action. The memorandum emphasized that the Kok Borok language is not just a state language but an integral part of Tripura’s cultural identity.

According to the student groups, the Roman script is more suited to the language’s phonetics and has been the preferred writing system for years. Despite repeated demands, authorities have failed to make the necessary changes. The memorandum recalled that last year, the TBSE President’s announcement to allow only Bengali script led to widespread protests, forcing a temporary government intervention. However, with no lasting resolution, the problem resurfaced in this year’s board exams.

TSF General Secretary Hamalu Jamatia condemned the authorities for failing to fulfill their commitment. “Yesterday, the Secondary examination for Kok Borok was held. The Government of Tripura and CBSE had assured us that they would print the question paper in the Roman script, yet the paper was set in Bengali script. Who is responsible for this? TSF has submitted multiple memorandums. This is the last warning. This time, students and parents stand with us, and we will fight for this,” he said.

The protesting organisations have called for immediate reforms to prevent further disadvantages to Kok Borok-speaking students. They warned that failure to act could lead to intensified demonstrations in the coming days. The future of these students and their education hangs in the balance as they demand fair opportunities to showcase their academic capabilities.

The Kok Borok community is waiting with bated breath for the authorities to respond to their demands. Will the authorities take heed, or will this issue continue to simmer, affecting the education and future of countless students? Only time will tell.

Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/tripura/story/tripura-student-bodies-protest-over-kok-borok-board-exam-paper-in-bengali-script-1185542-2025-03-18?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-03-18 16:51:00