Assam Assembly Welcomes Hindi as Fourth Official Language, Amid Concerns for Bodo

In a significant development, the Assam Legislative Assembly has officially incorporated Hindi as its fourth language, joining Assamese, English, and Bodo. Assembly Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass made the announcement, stating, “For the first time, the Hindi language has been introduced in our Assembly sessions. Hindi is our Rashtra Bhasha (national language), and we felt it crucial to give it formal recognition within the Assembly’s proceedings.” This decision highlights the state government’s intent to embrace diverse linguistic heritage while acknowledging Hindi’s status as a vital means of communication across India.

While the Constitution of India does not designate a national language, it acknowledges Hindi in the Devanagari script as an official language of the country. The Official Languages Act of 1963 enshrines the use of English alongside Hindi for official communications, reflecting the country’s commitment to multilingualism. The new language policy is set to be implemented starting Monday, coinciding with the commencement of the Assembly’s Budget session.

In a related announcement, Speaker Dass revealed that ALA TV, a channel that broadcasts Assembly proceedings, will be rebranded as Assam Bidhan Sabha TV. This change is part of a broader effort to modernize and enhance the visibility of the Assembly’s functions to the public.

However, the introduction of Hindi has sparked concerns regarding the Bodo language, particularly after reports surfaced suggesting the government’s intention to remove Bodo from the Assembly logo. The All Bodo Students’ Union organized protests to voice their opposition, fearing that such changes might undermine the language’s status in Assam. In response to these concerns, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reassured the public that there is no proposal to eliminate the use of Bodo in official proceedings or any Assembly business.

This move comes amid Assam’s complex linguistic landscape, where multiple languages coexist and hold cultural significance. The addition of Hindi as an official language is seen by some as a recognition of its widespread usage, while others worry it could overshadow regional languages like Bodo. As Assam navigates these linguistic dynamics, the government faces the challenge of ensuring that all languages are treated equitably and that the rights of all language speakers are respected.

Source: scroll.in