Odisha CM Assures Full Support for Santali Language and Ol Chiki Script Under NEP 2020
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has reaffirmed the Odisha government’s commitment to the promotion and preservation of the Santali language and the Ol Chiki script, assuring full support for their development under the framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
This assurance came during a meeting with a delegation of Santali language scholars, educationists, and community representatives.
During the interaction, the delegation submitted a memorandum outlining several key demands aimed at strengthening the status of Santali language education and ensuring wider use of the Ol Chiki script in the state’s academic and administrative systems.
The delegation sought official recognition of Santali as a minority language and advocated for the expansion of educational facilities in the language through the Ol Chiki script.
They also requested implementation of Santali under the three-language formula from Classes I to X and its inclusion as a Modern Indian Language (MIL) and elective subject at the higher secondary level.
Another major demand focused on strengthening teacher recruitment and training.
The representatives urged the state government to fill teaching positions for Santali language instruction and reserve B.Ed seats for Santali candidates at teacher training institutes in Baripada, Balasore, and Anandapur.
Addressing the delegation, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the growing recognition of Santali language and culture, noting that the elevation of Droupadi Murmu as the President of India has brought greater visibility to the tribal community and its linguistic heritage.
The Chief Minister assured the delegation that the state government would give serious consideration to their proposals and take appropriate steps to promote Santali language, literature, and culture in line with the state’s commitment to tribal development and inclusive education.
The delegation included noted Santali scholars and representatives such as Padma Shri Dr. Damayanti Beshra, Chaitanya Majhi, Kandra Soren, Dhananjay Hembram, Dr Naku Hansdah, Udayanath Majhi, and Somnath Hansdah.
The development is being seen as a positive step toward strengthening tribal language education and preserving Odisha’s rich linguistic diversity through the effective implementation of NEP 2020.
