Tripura’s leading linguistic and indigenous bodies have urged the central government to include Kokborok, the native tongue of the Tripuri people, in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The demand, which has been raised on multiple occasions over the past decades, has gained fresh momentum with intellectuals, student bodies, and political leaders throwing their support behind the cause.
The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), along with the Kokborok Sahitya Sabha and various indigenous student organizations, are spearheading the movement. They argue that Kokborok is not just a language but the backbone of Tripura’s indigenous identity, spoken by nearly one-third of the state’s population. Its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule, they say, would not only ensure constitutional recognition but also protect and promote the language for future generations.
Kokborok, which means “language of the people,” is spoken predominantly by the Tripuri, Reang, Jamatia, and other indigenous communities. Though it was declared an official language of Tripura in 1979 alongside Bengali, it still lacks national recognition, limiting its growth in formal education, competitive examinations, and administrative usage.
The demand for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule—which currently lists 22 languages—would provide Kokborok with equal status in the eyes of the law, allowing it to be used in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations, central government functions, and official documentation.
“This is not just a linguistic issue. It’s about recognition, dignity, and equality,” said a representative of the Kokborok Sahitya Sabha during a press conference in Agartala. “We are not asking for a favor. We are demanding our rightful place among the languages of India.”
Political voices have also begun echoing the sentiment. Leaders from indigenous-based parties such as the Tipra Motha have called upon the central government to acknowledge the long-standing demand. TIPRA chairman Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma has been a vocal supporter of Kokborok’s inclusion, linking it to the broader movement for indigenous empowerment and autonomy in the state.
Support has also emerged from educationists and linguists, who argue that Kokborok meets several of the criteria for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule: a substantial speaker base, a well-documented grammar and literature, and a functional presence in primary education and print media.
However, challenges remain. The lack of standardization in script—where both Roman and Bengali scripts are used—continues to be a topic of debate among Kokborok scholars. While many prefer the Roman script for its simplicity and global usage, the state government has traditionally promoted the Bengali script, citing compatibility with existing educational infrastructure. This divide has occasionally slowed the language’s official development.
Despite these hurdles, there have been encouraging signs. Kokborok is currently taught in schools across the tribal areas, and Tripura University offers postgraduate studies in the language. There is also a growing body of Kokborok literature, including poetry, drama, and modern fiction, which has contributed to a cultural renaissance among Tripura’s indigenous communities.
The linguistic body’s current appeal comes at a time when several other regional languages—such as Bhojpuri, Tulu, and Rajasthani—are also seeking Eighth Schedule status. The central government has remained cautious in expanding the list, citing administrative and constitutional considerations. However, many believe that including Kokborok would be a step toward acknowledging India’s rich linguistic diversity and correcting historical exclusions.
As the demand gains traction, rallies, signature campaigns, and literary events promoting Kokborok have intensified across Tripura. Students, cultural organizations, and civil society groups are coming together under the common cause of linguistic recognition.
For the indigenous people of Tripura, Kokborok is more than a means of communication—it’s a symbol of their heritage, resilience, and identity. As India continues to celebrate its multicultural ethos, the call to recognize Kokborok in the Eighth Schedule serves as a powerful reminder that language is deeply tied to belonging and representation.