A prominent socio-cultural organisation representing Assam's Bengali community has called on Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Das to intervene in what it describes as the growing marginalisation of Bengalis in the state. The Barak Upatyaka Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan submitted a memorandum urging equitable participation for Bengalis in governance, education, and public life.
Historical Contributions and Current Neglect
The organisation highlighted that Bengalis have historically played a significant role in Assam's socio-economic and cultural development. However, Paritosh Chandra Dutta, the organisation's central general secretary, alleged that the community's linguistic, educational, and cultural interests have not received adequate attention despite their substantial contributions.
Key Demands in the Memorandum
The memorandum seeks greater representation of Bengalis in administrative and decision-making bodies, protection of linguistic rights, and fair access to educational and employment opportunities. It calls for government support to preserve and promote the Bengali language, literature, and cultural institutions. Specifically, the organisation urged corrective measures to safeguard Bengali-language education, expressing concern over the shrinking number of Bengali-medium schools. It also demanded that Bengali be recognised as a medium of instruction in colleges and universities in the Barak Valley.
Development Concerns in Barak Valley
The organisation alleged delays in implementing several educational and development projects in the valley. It urged the government to expedite pending proposals for higher educational institutions and other infrastructure initiatives aimed at boosting regional development. Stressing that its demands are rooted in constitutional guarantees of equality and linguistic rights, the organisation called on the state government to adopt a sensitive and constructive approach to the issues raised.
Renewed Focus on Longstanding Issues
The memorandum has renewed focus on longstanding concerns over language, education, and regional development in the Bengali-majority Barak Valley, where questions of identity and representation continue to shape public discourse.
