Manipuri declared as Associate Official Language in 4 Assam districts

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 29, 2024

The Manipuri language has been declared an Associate Official Language in four districts of Assam as the Assam Assembly passed the Assam Official Language (Amendment) Bill, 2024 on the fourth day of the autumn session on Thursday.

The bill was introduced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on August 22.

The bill seeks to amend the Assam Official Language Act, 1960 by inserting a new Section 5B, which will provide for the recognition of Manipuri language as an Associate Official Language in the four districts.

The bill elevates Manipuri to the status of Associate Official Language in the three districts of Barak Valley—Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj—along with Hojai district in central Assam.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma highlighted the substantial population of Manipuri speakers residing in the Barak Valley and other parts of the state as a key reason for the decision.

Sarma acknowledged the long-standing demands from the Manipuri-speaking community for official recognition of their language, emphasizing the government’s commitment to preserving the cultural and linguistic heritage of all communities within the state.

Sarma rejected the demand for including the Kachari language as an Associate Official Language of the state and stated that the government can only consider languages for official status if they have Eight Schedule status, which refers to languages recognized in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Earlier on February 24, the State Cabinet approved the Assam Official Language (Amendment) Bill, 2024, to recognise the Manipuri language in four districts – Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi and Hojai.