{"id":3455,"date":"2024-11-20T17:26:47","date_gmt":"2024-11-20T11:56:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecord.in\/?p=3455"},"modified":"2024-11-20T17:27:10","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20T11:57:10","slug":"lepcha-language-finds-its-way-into-darjeeling-hills-primary-schools-after-a-decade-long-effort","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecord.in\/?p=3455","title":{"rendered":"Lepcha Language Finds Its Way Into Darjeeling Hills Primary Schools After a Decade-Long Effort"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u00a0The Gorkhaland<\/a> Territorial Administration (GTA) has announced the introduction of the Lepcha language <\/a>in 40 primary schools across the Darjeeling<\/a> and Kalimpong<\/a> districts. The decision, fulfilling a decade-long demand of the Lepcha community, marks a crucial step in preserving the region\u2019s cultural heritage.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to a notification issued by the GTA\u2019s<\/a> 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\u2019s 2014 announcement to include the Lepcha language<\/a> in hill schools, a plan that was initially obstructed by the GTA\u2019s previous leadership.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ruden Sada Lepcha<\/a>, chairman of the Mayel Lyang Lepcha Development Board (MLLDB<\/a>), expressed gratitude to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee<\/a> and GTA Chief Anit Thapa <\/a>for their support. \u201cThis is a momentous day for the Rong (Lepcha) community. We thank all who worked tirelessly to make this a reality,\u201d he stated.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The recruitment of 46 para-teachers in 2013 had been hindered<\/a> by legal disputes. Despite a 2014 government notification directing appointments, opposition from the GTA\u2019s then-leadership led to a High Court case. The court imposed a stay, leaving the process stalled for years.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The current GTA <\/a>administration\u2019s notification lifts the impasse, allowing 40 selected para-teachers, comprising 27 men and 19 women, to take up roles in the designated schools.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This initiative, widely welcomed by the Lepcha community, is seen as a tribute to the vision of the late Lyangsong Tamsang,<\/a> former MLLDB<\/a> chairman. It also underscores a renewed commitment to promoting the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Darjeeling Hills<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/body>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"