Assam govt to recognize Manipuri language as an associate official language in 4 districts

Digital Desk: The Assam government proposes recognizing Manipuri as an Associate Official Language in three districts of Barak Valley—Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi—and Hojai in central Assam. The announcement was made by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika, presenting The Assam Official Language (Amendment) Bill, 2024 on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

In the Statement of Objects and Reasons, Sarma emphasized that the Manipuri-speaking population in these regions has long sought official recognition of their language. This step aims to address these demands and acknowledge the linguistic diversity of Assam.

Earlier this year, on February 23, the Assam cabinet approved the inclusion of Manipuri as an associate official language in these four districts to preserve and protect the cultural and linguistic identity of the Manipuri people. The cabinet also approved the introduction of several other languages—Mising, Rabha, Tiwa, Karbi, Dimasa, and Deori—as mediums of instruction at the foundational level in primary schools.