In compliance to an Odisha High Court order, the Women and Child Development Department has informed that it would provide Nua Arunima books, a preschool curriculum, in 10 tribal languages to the Angwanwadi Centres by the end of September this year.
Odisha Adibasi Manch (OAM) State convenor Bidulata Huika and Global Human Rights Communication executive director Dr Subash Mohapatra had moved the Odisha High Court against the delay in distribution of Nua Arunima books.
“Nua Arunima books in ten tribal languages namely, Juang, Kisan, Koya, Kui, Munda, Oram, Bonda, Kuvi, Santhali, Saura will be made available at the Anganwadi centres by the end of September, 2015 in 12 identified districts,” informed Deputy Secretary to Government Durgesh Nandini Sahoo to the petitioners.
“Nua Arunima, a preschool curriculum was translated in 10 tribal languages, Bonda, Juang, Kisan, Koya, Kuvi, Kui, Munda, Oram, Santhali and Saura with assistance from Scholl and Mass Education department. Final edited version of New Arunima in six tribal languages namely Juang, Kisan, Koya, Kui, Munda, Oram has been completed. CDPOs, Supervisors, Anganwadi Workers (2 from each language category) and MlE school teachers from the Department of School and Mass Education were identified as Master Trainers for the training in Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Sambalpur, Malkangiri, Sundergarh, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Ganjam, Mayurbhanj districts in first phase,” informed the Deputy Secretary.
The first phase master trainers on six tribal languages were provided Nua Arunima handbook in Mother Tongue for reference, the Deputy Secretary informed.