[lg policy] Language Policy: AXX (Axam Xahitya Xabha) Sets Terms For Backing It

[Harold Schiffman]

Language Policy: AXX (Axam Xahitya Xabha) Sets Terms For Backing It
8 hours ago
[image: AXX]
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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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 Harold F. Schiffman

Professor Emeritus of
 Dravidian Linguistics and Culture
Dept. of South Asia Studies
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6305

Phone:  (215) 898-7475
Fax:  (215) 573-2138

Email:  haroldfs at gmail.com
http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~haroldfs/

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