Tai language teachers 'deprived' for 20 years

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

Golaghat, February 15:  All Assam Selected Non-Appointed Tai Language  Teachers’ Association general secretary Madan Burhagohain, while addressing a press meet at Pragati Chora in Golaghat, said that 100 selected Tai language teachers had been deprived from appointment fro 20 years.

He said that in the year 1995 the then government led by Hiteswar Saikia conducted examition in response to the demand of Purbanchal Tai Sahitya Sabha for appointment of Tai language teachers in the areas of the State where majority of Ahom community people lived. As per the instruction, Purbanchal Tai Sahitya Sabha sent lists of qualifying candidates to the government but due to objection raised by the Tai Ahom Students’ Union regarding the list, the government withheld appointment. After that this organization was formed and both Purbanchal Tai Sahitya Sabha and All Assam Selected Non Appointed Tai Language Teachers’ Association began to raise their demand for appointment.

In the year 1999 the AGP government responded to the demand and conducted interview for the said posts. But later the AGP government cancelled all appointments. Again in the year 2001 when the Tarun Gogoi-led Congress government came to power, district-wise interviews were conducted but no further step was taken. Thus, the selected 100 teachers have been deprived for the last 20 years.

Madan Burhagohain lamented that out of the 100 selected Tai language teachers, some of them passed away without getting appointment. He added that the Tai language was a connecting language of South East Asian countries and the State Government’s alleged apathy towards the language was unfortute.