The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has announced the introduction of the Lepcha language in 40 primary schools across the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. The decision, fulfilling a decade-long demand of the Lepcha community, marks a crucial step in preserving the region’s cultural heritage.
According to a notification issued by the GTA’s Education Department, 40 para-teachers, initially appointed in 2015, will now officially begin teaching Lepcha under the District School Boards of Darjeeling and Kalimpong. This development follows a prolonged delay since the state government’s 2014 announcement to include the Lepcha language in hill schools, a plan that was initially obstructed by the GTA’s previous leadership.
Ruden Sada Lepcha, chairman of the Mayel Lyang Lepcha Development Board (MLLDB), expressed gratitude to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and GTA Chief Anit Thapa for their support. “This is a momentous day for the Rong (Lepcha) community. We thank all who worked tirelessly to make this a reality,” he stated.
The recruitment of 46 para-teachers in 2013 had been hindered by legal disputes. Despite a 2014 government notification directing appointments, opposition from the GTA’s then-leadership led to a High Court case. The court imposed a stay, leaving the process stalled for years.
The current GTA administration’s notification lifts the impasse, allowing 40 selected para-teachers, comprising 27 men and 19 women, to take up roles in the designated schools.
This initiative, widely welcomed by the Lepcha community, is seen as a tribute to the vision of the late Lyangsong Tamsang, former MLLDB chairman. It also underscores a renewed commitment to promoting the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Darjeeling Hills.
