AGARTALA, Jan 19 - As promised a year back, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Sunday delivered a speech in Kokborok, the mother tongue of the Tripuri ethnic tribe, on the occasion of the 42nd Kokborok Day.
�People can learn any language if they accept it by heart, one just needs to develop such mentality. In Tripura, out of the 32 per cent indigenous population, 29 per cent speak Kokborok,� Deb said.
During the same programme last year, Deb, a native Bengali speaker, had committed to deliver his address this year in Kokborok. The speech in Kokborok delivered by the Chief Minister led to appreciation from all sections of people.
�Being the Chief Minister, I am happy to address the Kokborok-speaking people in their mother tongue. I prepared the speech only last night,� he said.
The Chief Minister said the state government has sent a proposal to the Centre for sanctioning a special package of over Rs 8,000 crore for the development of Janajati people and the proposal is under consideration. �We also initiated more empowerment to Autonomous District Councils. The number of seats will be increased from 30 to 50 (including nominated) along with 42 departments,� Deb said.
�Earlier, Kokborok subject was being taught in 94 senior basic, 52 madhyamik schools and 20 Higher Secondary schools. Now, the numbers have increased to 139, 100 and 41 respectively,� Deb said, adding that the state government had declared 12 tribal-dominated backward blocks as �aspirational blocks�.
He said the state government was also working in every sector � healthcare, education and infrastructure � for the development of indigenous people.
�When we shall go to the people before the 2023 elections, we shall present a report card on the development of indigenous people. If people are satisfied, they will vote for us,� Deb said.
He said that Tripura was the land of democracy, and the state government gave permission to various political parties for organising rallies and meetings in almost 99 per cent cases.
The Chief Minister later took part in a colourful rally that showcased the rich heritage and culture of the indigenous people.
Revenue Minister NC Debbarma, Education Minister Ratanlal Nath, Tribal Welfare Minister Mevar Kumar Jamatia, Social Education and Social Welfare Minister Santana Chakma were also present during the programme.