New Delhi / Agartala, August 23, 2025|SKY LINK TIMES
The Union government has stepped up initiatives to preserve and promote the tribal languages of Tripura, including Kokborok, Darlong, Ranglong, and Uchai, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Durgadas Uikey informed the Lok Sabha.
Responding to a question raised by Tripura MP Kriti Devi Debbarman, Uikey outlined the ongoing projects under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Ministry of Education to safeguard the state’s rich linguistic heritage.
Role of Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs)
- Financial Support: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs provides assistance to 29 Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs), including the Tribal Research and Cultural Institute (TR&CI) in Tripura.
- Activities: Publishing books on “Learning of Tribal Languages of Tripura,” dictionaries, and literary journals like ‘SAIMA’ (annual) and ‘TUI’ (biannual).
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- Documentation: Audio-video archives of tribal heritage, seminars, and workshops in collaboration with Tripura University.
- Library & Archives: Published works preserved at the Social Science Library of TR&CI and uploaded online for wider access.
Funding Support
Between 2021–22 and 2024–25, the Centre allocated ₹13 lakh for initiatives including:
- Collecting literary works from tribal writers, poets, and scholars.
- Printing books, conducting workshops, and holding cultural seminars in collaboration with Tripura University.
Schemes for Preservation
- Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL): Launched in 2013 by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, covering 117 languages, including Darlong, Ranglong, and Uchai of Tripura.
- Bharatavani Project: A Digital India initiative by CIIL to provide knowledge resources in 121 Indian languages. Languages from Tripura such as Kokborok, Halam, Mogh, and Chakma feature prominently on the portal, ensuring digital preservation and dissemination.
Safeguarding Heritage
“Preserving tribal languages is not only about keeping traditions alive but also about empowering future generations with a strong cultural identity,” Uikey said.
The government believes these initiatives will ensure that Tripura’s indigenous languages thrive in both academic and digital ecosystems, bridging the gap between heritage and modernity.
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