An artiste performs at the Jharkhand Bangabhasi Sammelan in Jamshedpur. Picture by Srinivas

Jamshedpur, March 19: Speakers raised the issue of delay in notification of Bangla as second language of the state along with hosts of other issues like shortage of Bengali text books and teaching staff at the annual Jharkhand Bangabhasi Sammelan held here today.

The sammelan, organised by the Jamshedpur wing of the Bengali association and The Milani, is the sixth in a row. While Bangla has already been declared the second official language of the state, the official gazette or notification announcing the same is yet to be issued. They reasoned that the percentage of Bangla speaking population in the state is higher than the other languages that have also been accorded the second language status.

This apart, the orators also touched upon issues like shortage of Bengali textbooks in the state, as a result of which the students are finding it tough to finish their courses of studies. The number of Bengali teachers is far too less in proportionate to number of students, they lamented. The other problems faced by the Bengalis and their role in the development of the state were also discussed.

Chairman of the State Minority Commission Nirmal Chatterjee, who presided over the function, said the chief minister has assured that the notification regarding second language status to Bangla would be issued soon.

He also called upon the gathering to work for uplift of the Bangali language and for development of the state.

A cultural programme, where the local artistes showcased their talents, was also organised on the occasion.