Literary and cultural body takes umbrage at ignoring Barak organizations
It has come as a surprise to the highest body of language and culture, Barak Upatyaka Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan (BUBSSS) that at the recently held meeting convened by the State government to discuss academic issues
MEET ON ACADEMIC ISSUES
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
SILCHAR: It has come as a surprise to the highest body of language and culture, Barak Upatyaka Banga Sahitya O Sanskriti Sammelan (BUBSSS) that at the recently held meeting convened by the State government to discuss academic issues, not even a single organisation, not even Akhil Bharatitya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) was invited. This is yet another step motherly attitude of the State towards this valley. No organisation representing Hindi speaking people got the call. 34 literary, cultural and student bodies of Brahmaputra Valley were invited.
Taking umbrage at such discriminatory attitude, Gautom Prasad Dutta, general secretary of BUBSSS, said, "This is most unfortunate which goes against the very spirit of cohesion and unity among different linguistic, cultural and ethnic groups living in Assam." Undeniably Bengalis have played significant role in educational, social, economic and cultural development and synthesis. Yet, they fail to get fair deal. Of course, as he said, "It is the prerogative of the State government to call any group, but to ignore the largest minority group is beyond any comprehension."
Moreover, the most burning issue of education was on the agenda for discussion. Ignoring any organisation from this valley sends wrong signal, pointed out Gautom Prasad Dutta. This is not the first instance of keeping Bengali organizations off the table, this has happened earlier also. On the issue of holding examinations of high and higher secondary schools, the State government did not feel the necessity of inviting any group from Barak Valley. For discussion on educational matters, the views and opinions of student bodies are also necessary.
Yet, neither ABVP nor NSUI nor DSO was invited, Gautom Prasad Dutta rued to record. He cited other important issues of grant from corpus fund and appointment for state vacancies. In all respects, it is a story of neglect. But it does not end here. 23 linguistic and ethnic groups were extended financial grant ranging from Rs 3 crore to Rs 10 crore for enrichment of their culture and language. BUBSSS used to get Rs 4 lakh per annum which has now been reduced to Rs 1.5 lakh only. BUBSSS is engaged in creative activities which are well appreciated in academic and literary arena.
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