The Kokborok Sahitya Parishad, a leading linguistic body in Tripura, has renewed its demand for the inclusion of the Kokborok language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The Parishad raised the issue with fresh vigour on Friday, urging the Centre to officially recognize the language spoken by a large section of the indigenous population in Tripura. The organisation stated that such recognition would not only protect Kokborok but would also elevate its stature across India.
The members of the Kokborok Sahitya Parishad held a detailed press conference where they outlined their longstanding efforts to preserve, promote, and institutionalize Kokborok through academic and cultural platforms. The leaders of the Parishad highlighted that despite being one of the most widely spoken indigenous languages in Tripura, Kokborok has remained excluded from the constitutional list of recognized languages, depriving its speakers of critical developmental, cultural, and educational opportunities.
The organisation also addressed the debate surrounding the script for Kokborok. While some sections prefer the native script, others have advocated for Devanagari or Bengali scripts for broader accessibility. The Parishad maintained a flexible stand on the script issue, proposing that the government can choose either Devanagari or Bengali as per administrative convenience while prioritising the recognition of the language itself. This inclusive approach, they said, was meant to ensure that the issue of script does not delay the much-needed inclusion of Kokborok in the Eighth Schedule.
The demand found resonance among various indigenous student bodies, political leaders, and social activists who have long called for safeguarding the cultural identity of Tripura’s tribal population. Several local intellectuals have emphasized that national recognition of Kokborok would inspire the younger generation to embrace their language and heritage with pride, especially at a time when regional dialects are gradually eroding under the influence of dominant languages.
Chief functionaries of the Kokborok Sahitya Parishad noted that their language has a strong literary tradition and a growing body of work in poetry, prose, theatre, and cinema. They stated that a language so rich in oral and written tradition deserves to stand among the constitutionally recognized languages of India. They called on the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to take swift action in this regard.
The Parishad also pointed to the successful inclusion of other regional languages in the Eighth Schedule as precedents. They expressed optimism that the Government of India would recognise the aspirations of the Kokborok-speaking population in Tripura and take necessary measures. They added that linguistic recognition could become a powerful step in bridging the socio-economic gaps that exist between the tribal and non-tribal populations of the state.
The issue of Kokborok’s inclusion has previously been raised in the state Assembly as well. Political parties across the spectrum have spoken in support of the move, though progress at the central level has remained slow. The Parishad members expressed frustration over the lack of urgency from the Centre but remained hopeful that their renewed appeal would gain momentum.
They also announced that they would submit a fresh memorandum to the President of India, the Prime Minister, and the Union Home Minister seeking their direct intervention. The Parishad plans to launch awareness campaigns, host cultural events, and organize seminars to garner wider public support both within and outside Tripura.
With growing voices in favour of preserving tribal languages, Kokborok’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule could soon become a rallying point for broader indigenous rights movements in the Northeast. The Kokborok Sahitya Parishad vowed to continue its mission until the language receives the constitutional recognition it rightfully deserves.
The Kokborok Sahitya Parishad also emphasized the educational implications of their demand. They pointed out that if Kokborok finds a place in the Eighth Schedule, it will pave the way for the introduction of the language as a medium of instruction and an examinable subject in central-level competitive exams such as the UPSC. This development would open doors for Kokborok-speaking youth to participate more fully in India’s administrative framework and higher education system.
Parents, teachers, and cultural workers from tribal-dominated areas of Tripura have echoed this sentiment, expressing their belief that national recognition would validate their linguistic identity and offer a sense of belonging within the broader Indian narrative. Many Kokborok-speaking students currently face disadvantages due to the limited scope of their language in formal education and examinations. Recognition would not only solve this issue but also create room for research and institutional support to develop language resources such as textbooks, dictionaries, and digital learning platforms.
Meanwhile, the Parishad has also called on the Tripura state government to strengthen its commitment toward Kokborok promotion by allocating more funds for cultural programs, supporting linguistic research, and ensuring the recruitment of teachers proficient in the language. They stated that while state-level support has helped Kokborok survive, national recognition would empower the language to thrive.
The Parishad reminded the public that language is deeply intertwined with identity and dignity. They urged all communities in Tripura to support this movement, stating that the inclusion of Kokborok in the Eighth Schedule is not only a linguistic issue but also a matter of justice and respect for the indigenous people of the state.
As the demand for inclusion gains traction, all eyes are now on the central government’s response. The Kokborok Sahitya Parishad has made it clear that their movement will continue with unity and determination until Kokborok receives the constitutional honour it deserves.