West Bengal to recognise Kurukh, Rajbongshi languages

Kolkata: The West Bengal government will recognise Kurukh and Rajbongshi/Kamtapuri languages, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Tuesday on the occasion of International Mother Language Day.

"On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, we announce that the state government will recognise Kurukh language and its alphabet Tolong Siki. The language was declared endangered by the UNESCO," she said.

About 16 lakh people belonging to Oraon tribe in the state use Kurukh language, she said.

"We have also decided to to give due importance to Rajbongshi/Kamtapuri and the state has set up a committee headed by Nrisingha Prasad Bhaduri to give recognition to the language," Banerjee said.