Manipuri Proposed as Associate Official Language in Assam Districts

The Assam government has proposed a bill to recognize Manipuri as an Associate Official Language in three Barak valley districts and Hojai. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika presented the bill on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, citing the significant Manipuri-speaking population and their demands for official recognition.

The Assam government on Thursday announced a proposal to recognize Manipuri as an Associate Official Language in three Barak valley districts and Hojai. The move aims to address the demands of the substantial Manipuri-speaking population in these areas.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika submitted The Assam Official Language (Amendment) Bill, 2024 on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who oversees the Home and Political Department. The bill seeks to amend the Assam Official Language Act, 1960 to include a new section, 5B, for the purpose.

Sarma highlighted the persistent demands from the Manipuri-speaking community for official recognition of their language. The amendment will enable the use of Manipuri for all specified official purposes in the districts of Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, and Hojai.

(With inputs from agencies.)