AISA demands introduction of Alchiki language for tribals

Statesman News Service

MALDA Feb 21:- Demanding introduction of the Alchiki language in the tribal dominated areas of this district the student’s wing of CPI (ML) Liberation All India Student Association ( AISA) , today organised a rally in Gazole to mark 21 February, Bhasha Diwas. The AISA leaders said that though the state government directed the district school authorities to introduce Alchiki language as medium of instruction in primary level in the tribal dominated areas yet nothing had been done here. It may be noted that three years ago the state government had send direction to the district school authorities to introduce of Alchiki language where maximum tribal kids are studying in the primary schools. The government had also sent text books on Alchiki language for them. But, interestingly, the district primary education and primary council officials organised some programmes for its introduction but finally failed to introduce it when they found that there was no teacher who can teach the Alchiki language.“I am not in a position to say what happened earlier. But at present, from next academic session, we are trying hard to introduce Alchiki language as medium of instruction in primary level for the tribal people”, said Mr Uttam Sarkar, the chairman of the district primary school council. He also disclosed that they did not identify any primary school where all students came from tribal families in the tribal dominated primary school.“We are facing problems in introducing Alchiki language here because students are coming from different community. It would be difficult to teach tribal students separately on the same premises of the school”, Mr Sarkar pointed out.“Introduction of Alchiki language would not be effective if we implement it emotionally. If a tribal student completes his primary education in Alchiki language he needs a secondary school where the medium of instruction is in Alchiki language. But where he would? Is there any secondary school for them?” Mr Sarkar raised the question.