GANGTOK,: Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba on Wednesday met Education Minister
of State (MoS) Dr. Sukanta Majumdar in New Delhi to discuss the urgent
financial challenges faced by the Centre for Endangered Languages (CEL) at
Sikkim University.
During the
meeting, the Lok Sabha MP submitted a formal application to the Education MoS requesting
the immediate release of funds to ensure the Centre can continue its pivotal
work in preserving and promoting the endangered languages of the Eastern
Himalayan region, a press release informs.
In his
submission, Indra Hang highlighted the Centre's achievements since its
establishment in 2016 under the aegis of the University Grants Commission
(UGC).
The Centre
has made significant strides in documenting and safeguarding endangered
languages such as Bhujel, Magar, Gurung, Sherpa, and Rai-Rokdung. Additionally,
it has developed India’s first endangered languages archive, the
Sikkim-Darjeeling Himalayas Endangered Languages Archive (SiDHELA), to preserve
and make accessible the invaluable linguistic heritage of the region.
However, Indra
Hang expressed concern over the cessation of funding from the UGC, which has
jeopardized the Centre's ability to continue its work. He stressed the urgent
need for financial intervention to sustain the Centre's ongoing research and
expand its efforts under the second phase of the project to cover more vulnerable
languages in the region, the release mentions.
The MoS
Education assured the Lok Sabha MP that the matter would be reviewed promptly
and necessary action would be taken to address the concerns.
Indra Hang
extended his gratitude to the Minister for the positive engagement and
reiterated his commitment to supporting initiatives that protect and promote
the cultural and linguistic diversity of India, the release mentions.
