Bhubaneswar: A memorandum written in the Santali language using the Ol Chiki script was submitted to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell, seeking appropriate introduction and implementation of Santali language education at the secondary and higher secondary levels in the state.
The memorandum was submitted on behalf of Fagun, a Santali monthly newspaper, highlighting the need to ensure continuity in Santali-medium and Santali-language education from the primary level through secondary and higher secondary education.
Santali was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India on December 22, 2003. Following its constitutional recognition, the Government of India as well as the state governments of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha and Assam have taken various steps towards promoting education in the Santali language.
In Odisha, Santali is currently used in 1,531 Anganwadi centres and 441 primary schools from Classes I to V, while Santali is also taught at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. However, the language has yet to be introduced systematically from Classes VI to XII.
The memorandum pointed out that the absence of continuity in Santali education between primary and higher education has created a significant academic gap. As a result, students opting for Santali at the undergraduate level are often required to begin again with the fundamentals of the language. This discontinuity has adversely affected both students’ interest in Santali education and the overall standard of language learning.
It further alleged that inadequate monitoring of Santali education at Anganwadi and primary-school levels has weakened the existing system, leaving Santali education operational largely in name rather than in effective practice.
Another major issue highlighted was the shortage of Santali language teachers. Of the 30 Santali language teachers appointed by the State Government in 1992–93, around 20 posts are currently vacant due to retirement and death. The memorandum urged the government to fill these vacant posts without further delay.
The delegation also drew attention to the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in Odisha. While new textbooks have been prepared and printed under the revised curriculum, no adequate steps have yet been taken to prepare Santali textbooks in accordance with NEP 2020. It was also alleged that even the existing Santali textbooks are not being properly distributed to the schools concerned.
The memorandum emphasised that although Santali is an indigenous language, it is also a constitutionally recognised language of India. It is also the mother tongue of the President of India as well as the Chief Minister of Odisha. Therefore, Santali deserves appropriate institutional support and development in accordance with the prevailing constitutional and educational provisions.
Expressing concern over the delay in introducing Santali systematically across different stages of school education, the delegation brought the matter directly to the attention of the Chief Minister and sought his intervention for an early resolution.
Significantly, the memorandum was written entirely in Santali using the Ol Chiki script, and the Chief Minister personally read it. He also explained aspects of the Ol Chiki writing system to ministers and senior officials present at the Grievance Cell.
After considering the demands raised by Fagun, the Chief Minister advised the School and Mass Education Department to take necessary steps on the issues raised in the memorandum.
The delegation that met the Chief Minister included Fagun Sub Editor Surukuni Murmu, life members Raghunath Hembram and Ghasiram Hembram, among others.
On the occasion, the delegation also presented the Chief Minister with replicas of the commemorative postage stamp and coin dedicated to Pandit Raghunath Murmu, which were released in New Delhi in connection with the Ol Chiki Centenary celebrations.
