Jharkhand TET: Demand Intensifies to Include Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Angika

Jamshedpur: A delegation from the Bhasha Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, Jharkhand State, submitted a memorandum to the Finance Minister of the Jharkhand Government, Radha Krishna Kishore, demanding the inclusion of Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Angika languages in the Jharkhand Teacher Eligibility Test (J-TET). The delegation stated that neglecting these languages is an injustice to the sentiments of lakhs of students and candidates.

Members of the committee emphasized that Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Angika are not just languages, but the cultural identity, tradition, and social heritage of crores of people. Excluding them from an important examination like J-TET promotes linguistic inequality.

Mithilesh Srivastava, General Secretary of the Vishwa Bhojpuri Vikas Parishad and a representative of the committee, stated that a large number of people in Jharkhand speak and understand Bhojpuri, Magahi, and Angika, yet the government continuously ignores these languages. He warned that if regional languages do not receive due respect, resentment will grow among the youth.

Kanhaiya Singh, Convener of the Bhasha Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, stated that the Constitution advocates for equal respect for all languages and cultures. Under such circumstances, keeping these languages out of J-TET goes against the spirit of equal opportunity.

Shashi Mishra, President of the Sampurna Bhojpuri Vikas Manch, said that the government should take concrete initiatives toward strengthening linguistic diversity. Appu Tiwari, of the Bhojpuri Nav Chetna Manch and the Bhasha Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, warned that if the government does not take a prompt decision, it will launch a widespread, democratic public movement.

Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore assured the representatives that he would present the matter before the appropriate forum and attempt to initiate positive action.