Guwahati, 22nd August: The Assam government has proposed elevating Manipuri to an Associate Official Language status in three districts of Barak Valley and Hojai, as announced on Thursday by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika.
The Assam Official Language (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was tabled in the Assembly by Hazarika on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who oversees the Home and Political Department. The bill aims to address long-standing demands from the Manipuri-speaking community in these regions.
Chief Minister Sarma highlighted that a significant portion of the population in Barak Valley and Hojai speaks Manipuri, underscoring the need for official recognition to support and preserve their linguistic heritage.
The cabinet had previously approved the use of Manipuri as an associate official language for Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, and Hojai on February 23 of this year. This decision aligns with efforts to safeguard and promote the cultural, social, and linguistic identity of the Manipuri community within Assam.
In addition, the cabinet has also endorsed the introduction of Mising, Rabha, Tiwa, Karbi, Dimasa, and Deori languages as mediums of instruction in primary schools, starting from the foundational level. This initiative aims to enhance educational inclusivity and reflect the state’s diverse linguistic landscape.
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