Guwahati, 29th August: In a historic step towards fostering linguistic inclusivity, the Assam Government has passed the Assam Official Language (Amendment) Bill, 2024, designating Manipuri as an Associate Official Language in four districts of the state. This decision, made on August 29, addresses the long-standing demands of the Manipuri-speaking community, particularly in the Barak Valley.
The Bill, introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, was tabled in the Assam Assembly on August 22. With its passage, Manipuri has now been accorded the status of Associate Official Language in the three Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj, as well as in Hojai district in central Assam.
Chief Minister Sarma, in his Statement of Objects and Reasons, highlighted the significant population of Manipuri speakers in these regions. He noted the government’s commitment to recognizing and preserving the linguistic and cultural heritage of all communities within Assam. The move is seen as a significant acknowledgment of the Manipuri-speaking population’s contribution to the state’s diverse cultural fabric.
This amendment is expected to enhance administrative communication and foster greater inclusion of the Manipuri-speaking community in government processes, further strengthening the cultural ties within the state.
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