Language Policy: AXX (Axam Xahitya Xabha) Sets Terms For Backing It

GUWAHATI: Assam Chief Secretary Alok Kumar has assured a delegation of the AXX (Axam Xahitya Xabha) that he has asked the departments concerned to implement the primary education language policy in the State soon, besides raising the issue in the next Cabinet meeting. The Chief Secretary has also told the AXX that the State government is well aware of the ‘Chalo Paltai’ move and is keeping a close watch on it.

Addressing the media on Wednesday after holding a meeting with the Chief Secretary, AXX president Paramananda Rajbongshi said: “The primary education language policy has been finalized a few months back. However, the policy has not been implemented as yet. We’ve expressed regret at the delay in the implementation. However, the Chief Secretary has let us know that he has had a meeting with top officials of the department and assured us of implementing the policy soon. He also said that the issue will be raised in the next Cabinet meeting.”

On the ‘Chalo Paltai’ move, Rajbongshi said: “We feel that the move is lethal enough to stoke linguistic conflicts and misunderstanding in Assam. We’ve appealed to the government to nip this negative move in its bud. To this, the Chief Secretary has said that the government is well aware of the campaign, and is keeping a close watch on it.”

On the draft national language policy, Rajbongshi said: “Our stand is crystal clear. The national language policy must accommodate our demand that the teaching of Assam’s official language and the indigenous mother tongues of the State should be taught compulsorily up to Class-XII. If this is not done, we’ve no reason to support such a national language policy. We’ve appealed to the Chief Secretary to send a proposal to this effect to the Central Government. The Chief Secretary has assured us of acting promptly.”

Rajbongshi further said: “The Chief Secretary has let us know that the APSC (Assam Public Service Commission) examination will have a paper of 100 marks comprising Assam’s heritage and tradition, besides Assamese and other indigenous mother tongues.”

On the implementation of the Official Language Act, Rajbongshi said: “We have sent a proposal to the government for adopting the right technology for the implementation of the Official Language Act in the State. The Chief Secretary has assured us of taking steps towards that end. He has also asked the departments concerned to act that way.”

Rajbongshi further stated that the Chief Secretary has informed him that the government has issued a directive to all State universities and colleges to use Assamese in official works — including issuance of directives — besides English.

The AXX delegation also met the leaders of the Sachivalaya Seva Santha of the State Government who assured the Xabha leaders of using the official language as much as required.

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