GUWAHATI: The Assam Cabinet has given the green light to officially recognise Manipuri as an associate language across four districts of the state.
Through the approval of the Assam Official Language (Amendment) Bill, 2024, Manipuri will attain its rightful place as an official language in Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, and Hojai districts, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
Chief Minister Sarma, speaking after a late-night cabinet session to the press, stressed that the decision serves to safeguard, preserve, and celebrate the rich cultural, social, and linguistic heritage of the Manipuri community residing in Assam.
The move received accolades from Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh, who expressed gratitude towards the Assam government for demonstrating trust and recognition towards Manipuris.
“Many many thanks Himanta ji for including Manipuri as an associate official language in 4 districts of Assam. Your recognition and trust on the Manipuris is highly appreciated.” He wrote on a micro-blogging website.
Meanwhile, in a parallel effort to uphold the interests of tribal communities, the council of ministers has decided to introduce Mising, Rabha, Karbi, Tiwa, Deori, and Dimasa languages as mediums of instruction in the foundational stages of school education.
This aligns with the provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020, and aims to empower tribal students by enabling them to learn in their native languages from the very beginning of their educational journey.
Additionally, in a bid to safeguard the land rights of indigenous communities of the state, the government announced that individuals from the Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi, and Gorkha communities, who have been occupying land prior to 2011, will be included in the list of protected classes of persons in the Balipara tribal belt.
