Bengalis rue language status delay

[Harold F. Schiffman]

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Issue Date: Monday, March 20, 2006
Bengalis rue language status delay
OUR CORRESPONDENT

Jamshedpur, March 19: Speakers raised the issue of delay in notification
of Bangla as second language of the state along with hosts of other issues
like shortage of Bengali text books and teaching staff at the annual
Jharkhand Bangabhasi Sammelan held here today. The sammelan, organised by
the Jamshedpur wing of the Bengali association and The Milani, is the
sixth in a row. While Bangla has already been declared the second official
language of the state, the official gazette or notification announcing the
same is yet to be issued. They reasoned that the percentage of Bangla
speaking population in the state is higher than the other languages that
have also been accorded the second language status.

This apart, the orators also touched upon issues like shortage of Bengali
textbooks in the state, as a result of which the students are finding it
tough to finish their courses of studies. The number of Bengali teachers
is far too less in proportionate to number of students, they lamented. The
other problems faced by the Bengalis and their role in the development of
the state were also discussed. Chairman of the State Minority Commission
Nirmal Chatterjee, who presided over the function, said the chief minister
has assured that the notification regarding second language status to
Bangla would be issued soon.

He also called upon the gathering to work for uplift of the Bangali
language and for development of the state. A cultural programme, where the
local artistes showcased their talents, was also organised on the
occasion.


http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060320/asp/jamshedpur/story_5987302.asp#