Cow Seminar Sparks Political Controversy in Tripura
In a development that has stirred political and public debate in Tripura, a recent directive from the state’s Education Department allowing a little-known NGO to conduct seminars on cows and cow-derived products in government schools has come under severe criticism. Jitendra Chaudhury, Leader of the Opposition and senior CPI(M) figure, has lambasted the state government for what he describes as a gross misplacement of priorities at a time when the education sector is facing serious structural challenges.
The controversy began after a letter dated April 15, 2025, issued by NC Sharma, Director of the School Education Department, surfaced in the public domain. The letter informed district education authorities of a proposal submitted by the Deshi Gobansha Rakshan Sambardhan Samity—a relatively obscure NGO. The proposal aimed to launch an awareness campaign in schools about the cultural, agricultural, and economic significance of cows and their products.
According to the letter, participation in the cow seminar is not mandatory. The final decision rests with the respective School Management Committees (SMCs), and the seminars must not interfere with the regular academic calendar. Furthermore, the department clarified that it would not extend any financial support for these activities, and schools choosing to participate would have to organize them within their own means and discretion.
Despite these caveats, the move has ignited a political firestorm. Addressing the press, Jitendra Chaudhury accused the ruling BJP-led government of distracting from the core issues plaguing the education sector in the state. “It is truly shocking to see the Education Department giving space to such non-academic interventions while our schools are reeling under a severe shortage of teachers,” Chaudhury said. “The number of students appearing for board examinations has been steadily declining. Classrooms are overcrowded or under-equipped. And yet, instead of focusing on these glaring problems, the government is indulging in ideological theatrics.”
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Chaudhury further claimed that the NGO involved has close affiliations with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the ruling party. He described the seminars as a backdoor route to propagate a particular ideology among schoolchildren under the guise of cultural awareness. “This is nothing but a thinly veiled attempt at ideological indoctrination. Nobody had heard of this NGO until recently. Now, all of a sudden, it’s being allowed access to our government schools. That’s not just a coincidence; there’s clearly a deeper political agenda behind it,” he alleged.
This is not the first time that education and ideology have clashed in the political arena of Tripura. Over the past few years, debates have intensified over the content of school curricula, the role of private organisations in public education, and the space being given to religious or cultural narratives in the classroom. For the CPI(M) and other opposition voices, the current incident is symptomatic of a broader trend where education policy is increasingly being shaped by ideological motives rather than pedagogical priorities.
The state government, for its part, has maintained that the seminars are entirely optional and are intended only to raise awareness about the utility of indigenous cattle breeds and their contribution to rural economies. “There is no coercion involved. The School Management Committees are free to assess whether such a programme suits their school environment,” said an official from the Education Department who did not wish to be named.
However, critics argue that the mere issuance of such a directive carries weight, particularly in rural districts where schools often operate with limited autonomy and resources. “When something comes from the top, schools feel compelled to fall in line, even if it’s framed as optional,” said a local teacher from South Tripura on condition of anonymity.
As the debate continues to intensify, many educators, parents, and political observers are left wondering whether the focus of the state’s education policy is veering away from pressing academic challenges. For now, the question remains: should schools serve as arenas for ideological expression, or should they remain steadfast in their commitment to academic excellence and inclusive development?
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