The Assam government has made Assamese a compulsory official language for all government communication across the state. The new rule came into effect on 15 April. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the decision on social media platform X.
“All government notifications, orders, Acts, and rules will now be issued in Assamese. In the Barak Valley, Bengali will be used. In the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Bodo will be the official language,” he posted.
The decision aims to promote local languages and make administration more accessible to the public. The move is based on the Assam Official Language Act, 1960. According to this Act, Assamese will be used alongside English for all official work.
The government issued a formal order to implement this policy. It directs that Assamese must be used in all official documents, including notifications, memos, Acts, rules, regulations, scheme guidelines, and transfer or posting orders. These documents must be issued in both English and Assamese.
Also read: Assam marks New Year, spring with Rongali Bihu festivities
In the Barak Valley districts, Bengali will be used in addition to English. In the BTR, Bodo will be used along with English. The goal is to reflect the linguistic diversity of Assam while ensuring uniformity in state communication.
The order also mentions central government communications. All central notifications, Acts, and regulations must be translated into Assamese within 30 days. Bengali and Bodo translations are required in their respective regions.
Old documents like Acts and rules will also be translated over a two-year period. Universities and their language departments will assist with this work.
In case of any confusion or legal interpretation, the English version of a document will be considered final. English will also be used for communication with the central government, other state governments, and the judiciary.
Reports, affidavits, and legal correspondence must be in English. For translation purposes, departments may use the Anuvaad Bhashini App. However, officers must carefully check all translated documents for accuracy.
The Chief Minister stated that this decision reflects the state’s commitment to promoting Assamese. At the same time, it respects the linguistic identity of other regions like the Barak Valley and BTR. The government believes this will improve administrative efficiency and strengthen local governance.
Follow us
