Assam notifies Rabha medium in 105 schools, community celebrates historic milestone

A wave of joy swept through the Rabha community after the Assam government’s Education Department issued the long-awaited notification for the introduction of Rabha language as the medium of instruction in government schools. 

The official notification, released Thursday evening, declares 105 Lower Primary (LP) schools—including 81 in Goalpara and 24 in Kokrajhar—as Rabha language medium institutions.

The announcement triggered excitement among Rabha organisations, particularly the Bebak Rabha Kraurang Runchum (BRKR)—also known as the Nikhil Rabha Sahitya Sabha—which has long championed the cause of mother-tongue education.

Speaking at a press conference, Rajkumar Rabha, General Secretary of BRKR, hailed the notification as a “historic moment” for the Rabha community. He credited Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Education Minister Dr. Ranoj Pegu for their leadership in recognising the linguistic rights of the Rabha people. "In the first phase, 105 schools have been notified. We are hopeful that more will follow,” he said.

On the issue of teacher appointments, Rajkumar Rabha pointed out that many existing teachers in Assamese-medium schools already possess knowledge of the Rabha language. However, the government is expected to formally appoint Rabha language teachers going forward.

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The move also drew a strong and positive reaction from the All Rabha Students’ Union (ARSU). Its President Motilal Rabha welcomed the move, calling it a “major milestone” for inclusive and culturally rooted education. "This reflects the government’s commitment to linguistic rights and educational equity,” he said, referencing letter no. E.No. 632888/68 dated Dispur, May 15, 2025.

ARSU General Secretary Dr. Subhash Rabha emphasised the significance of teaching children in their mother tongue at the foundational stage, highlighting benefits for both language preservation and cognitive development.

While expressing gratitude to the Assam Government, ARSU leaders urged for continued steps to ensure teacher training, development of learning materials, and curriculum support in the Rabha language to ensure successful implementation.

The notification marks a long-cherished victory for the Rabha community, which has for decades sought the inclusion of its language in the formal education system.