Gurung writes to Mamata for exemption from 3 language policy

Bimal Gurung, Chief Executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) shot a fax to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealing for exemption of the three language policy in which Bengali is a compulsory subject for Darjeeling, Terai and Dooars.

"On May 15, Education minister Partha Chatterjee had made the announcement of making Bengali a compulsory subject in schools. Following this, the CM had written on a social network site about the plan to implement the three language policy including Bengali as a compulsory subject. In 1961, Nepali was declared as one of the official languages of Bengal.

In 1992, Nepali was included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. We feel this it is a forceful imposition of Bengali language in an area which is completely different. We have our own language, culture and traditions," stated Roshan Giri, in charge of Education, GTA. Giri said a fax has been sent to the CM seeking exemption in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Terai and Dooars. The GTA has also called for a meeting of all hill school heads, intellectuals, civil society representatives and literary figures on May 30 at Gorkha Ranga Mancha at 11 am.