Ministry of Education Responds to MP Indra Hang Subba on Inclusion of Tamang, Rai, Gurung, and Sherpa Languages in CBSE Curriculum

The Ministry of Education has responded to concerns raised by MP Indra Hang Subba regarding the inclusion of Tamang, Rai, Gurung, and Sherpa languages in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum for Sikkim. In a letter from Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, logistical and academic constraints were identified as challenges to integrating these languages into the CBSE’s Class XI and XII curriculum.

Chaudhary referenced Subba’s letter dated July 26, 2024, acknowledging the cultural significance of these languages but noted the limited student enrollment—only 68 students across 14 schools—as a significant barrier. He also mentioned the shortage of subject experts proficient in these languages, which complicates their inclusion. Moreover, introducing additional languages could lengthen examination periods, potentially disrupting the academic calendar.

Currently, CBSE offers ten languages from Sikkim, accounting for 25% of its linguistic offerings, highlighting the board’s commitment to regional diversity. The Ministry emphasized the importance of promoting regional languages and suggested enhanced collaboration with the NCERT to support these languages through other educational initiatives.