Guwahati, Assam – In a landmark move that highlights Assam’s commitment to cultural preservation and political diversification, the state government announced two transformative developments this February. On the vibrant occasion of Ali-Aye-Ligang, the biggest festival of the Mising community, Education Minister Ranoj Pegu declared that the Mising language would be introduced as a medium of instruction in 200 Lower Primary (LP) schools starting from the 2025–2026 academic session. This initiative increases the total number of instructional languages in Assam to 14, reinforcing the state’s multilingual education policy.
Simultaneously, Assam’s political landscape is witnessing a shift with the emergence of two new regional parties—Jan Bharat Party (JBP), founded by Teharu Gaur, and the Alternative Party of Bodoland (APB), led by Dr. Anjali Daimary, a former leader of the now-defunct NDFB (National Democratic Front of Bodoland). These parties have entered the scene ahead of the crucial Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections, aiming to represent the long-overlooked voices of the Adivasi and Bodo communities across Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri, and Kokrajhar districts. Together, these two bold steps underscore Assam’s evolving socio-political narrative—one that values indigenous identity, grassroots empowerment, and inclusive governance.
Assam’s Push for Indigenous Language Education: Mising Introduced in 200 Schools
On Ali-A:ye Ligang, a significant cultural festival for the Mising community, Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu announced that Mising will now be used as a medium of instruction in 200 Lower Primary (LP) schools starting from the 2025–2026 academic session.
On this joyous and festive Ali-A:ye Ligang day of the Mising community, I am delighted to share the good news that the Assam Government has officially notified Mising as a medium of instruction in Lower Primary Schools (Class I to V).
Ranoj Pegu (Modi Ka Parivar) (@ranojpeguassam) April 2, 2025
Key Highlights:
- 200 Lower Primary schools will be officially renamed “Mising Medium Lower Primary Schools.”
- At Upper Primary and High School levels, students can now take Mising as an elective subject.
- The decision came after a meeting on February 7, 2025, between the Education Minister and eight Sahitya Sabhas: Bodo, Mising, Rabha, Tiwa, Deuri, Karbi, Garo, and Dimasa.
- Proposals are also underway for introducing Rabha, Tiwa, Deuri, Karbi, Dimasa, and Santal languages as mediums of instruction.
Purpose & Impact:
The move addresses long-standing demands from tribal communities for the preservation of their languages and cultural identity. Pegu emphasized the importance of early education in one’s mother tongue to nurture indigenous roots and foster inclusive development.
New Political Players Emerge Ahead of BTC Elections 2025
In another major development, two new political parties—the Jan Bharat Party (JBP) and the Alternative Party of Bodoland (APB)—have been launched in the Chirang and Baksa districts of Assam in anticipation of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) elections.
Jan Bharat Party (JBP):
- Founded by: Teharu Gaur, former advisor of the All Adivasi Students’ Association of Assam (AASAA).
- Objective: Contest all 40 constituencies across Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri, and Kokrajhar.
- Key Focus:
- Land rights
- Political representation
- Full implementation of the Basundhara Schemes
- Criticism of Existing Parties: JBP alleges that BPF and UPPL have failed to address core developmental issues in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).
“What good is peace if our people still lack land rights and political voice?” — Teharu Gaur, Founder, JBP
Alternative Party of Bodoland (APB):
- Launched in Baksa by former cadres of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB).
- Led by: Dr. Anjali Daimary
- Mission: Build a platform for inclusive politics, involving youth, ex-combatants, and marginalised communities.
- Key Concerns:
- Many former NDFB members are still awaiting rehabilitation.
- Discontent with the implementation of the peace accord.
“We aim to contest the polls with a people-centric agenda and bring unaddressed issues to the forefront.” — Dr. Anjali Daimary, President, APB
Assam Government has notified Mising as a medium of instruction in 200 LP Schools from the 2025 academic session. Mising is the 14th medium of instruction in Assam.
The decision was taken after a meeting with 8 Sahitya Sabhas representing tribal languages.— Ranoj Pegu (Modi Ka Parivar) (@ranojpeguassam) April 2, 2025
Constitutional Debate: 125th Amendment Bill in Focus
Both JBP and APB raised concerns about the lack of public consultation over the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill of 2019, passed during the recent Assam Legislative Assembly budget session. Gaur stated that their parties would distribute copies of the bill to educate voters and promote transparency.
Conclusion
Assam is witnessing a powerful combination of educational reforms and political restructuring. While the inclusion of tribal languages in primary education marks a progressive stride toward cultural preservation, the emergence of new political forces in the BTR underscores a growing desire for grassroots participation and inclusive governance. Both developments are likely to shape the state’s socio-political dynamics in the coming years.
