Guwahati: The Assam government has made a landmark decision to promote indigenous languages by designating 126 Lower Primary Schools to provide education in Deori and Tiwa languages, starting from the 2025-2026 academic year.
According to a notification issued by the Department of School Education on April 2, 2025, 28 schools will be categorised as “Deori Medium Lower Primary School” and 98 as “Tiwa Medium Lower Primary School” across the state.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma underscored the importance of this initiative, stating that over 300 schools will offer Mising, Tiwa, and Deori as mediums of classroom instruction. This move is part of the government’s efforts to preserve ancient indigenous languages for future generations, as accelerated by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The official notification explains that the decision was made to promote the Deori and Tiwa languages and ensure that students from these communities receive education in their mother tongue or home language. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu supported the move, highlighting that NEP 2020 recognises the importance of mother tongue instruction for effective learning. This initiative is a significant step towards preserving tribal heritage and promoting indigenous languages in Assam.
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