Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that all government notifications will soon be translated into the Bodo language. The move aims to honor the rights of Bodo-speaking citizens and reflect Assam’s multi-ethnic and multilingual fabric.
The announcement came during a cultural event held in Kokrajhar, the administrative heart of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR). The Chief Minister emphasized the need to strengthen the presence of indigenous languages in official and public domains.
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Assam to Issue Notifications in Bodo Language
Addressing a large gathering, CM Sarma said, “We have taken a historic decision to translate government notifications into Bodo. From now on, Bodo-speaking citizens will access all official information in their own language.”
This initiative aligns with the 2020 Bodo Peace Accord, which promised greater recognition of the Bodo language in administrative functions. Until now, most government circulars were published only in English or Assamese. The inclusion of Bodo adds a vital dimension to linguistic equity in the state.
The Chief Minister confirmed that the translation process will begin in phases. Initially, key departments such as education, health, and rural development will issue bilingual notifications, and full-scale implementation will follow in later stages.
Bodo Language Gains Official Recognition
The decision to issue notifications in Bodo language marks a critical milestone in the Bodo community’s long-standing demand for equal language rights. Bodo has already enjoyed the status of an official associate language in Assam since 2003, but its use in administrative work remained limited.
With this latest move, the state government signals a stronger commitment to fulfilling its promises under the Bodo Accord. It also enhances communication between the administration and people living in Bodo-dominated areas.
Leaders from the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) welcomed the move. BTC Chief Executive Member Pramod Boro said, “This is a proud day for every Bodo speaker. Language is identity, and today the government has honored that.”
Implementation to Begin in Bodoland First
As part of the rollout, the translation of official notifications will first be implemented in the Bodoland Territorial Region, which includes the districts of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, and Udalguri.
Government officials posted in these districts will soon receive training to work with bilingual documents. Departments will also hire Bodo language experts and translators to ensure clarity and accuracy.
Chief Secretary Paban Borthakur mentioned that a dedicated translation wing will be created within the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR). This unit will handle the formatting and verification of notifications in Bodo language before public release.
Boost for Cultural and Linguistic Identity
The Chief Minister stressed that language is more than a communication tool—it’s a symbol of culture and heritage. “Preserving the Bodo language is not only the duty of the Bodo people but the duty of the entire state,” he said.
Community members and educators believe that this initiative will strengthen the morale of Bodo youth. Many students in Bodo-medium schools have often struggled with Assamese-only notifications, particularly regarding examination guidelines and scholarships. This change could bridge that gap.
Furthermore, this move may serve as a model for recognizing other indigenous languages across India, especially in multi-ethnic states like Assam.
Experts Call for Timely Execution
Linguists and policy analysts have lauded the decision but also urged the state government to follow through with timely implementation. Delays in translation or lack of trained personnel could affect the impact of the initiative.
Dr. Narzary Basumatary, a Bodo linguist at Gauhati University, remarked, “The step is meaningful only if carried out consistently. We must invest in training and resources to maintain quality.”
Citizens, too, have reacted positively. “Now our elders can read and understand government letters without relying on others. This is true empowerment,” said Rani Basumatary, a social worker in Chirang.
The Assam government’s decision to translate notifications in Bodo language is more than a bureaucratic reform—it’s a cultural affirmation. For the Bodo people, this is recognition long overdue. As implementation begins in Bodoland, the rest of Assam and India will be watching closely. It’s a step toward inclusive governance that embraces the linguistic diversity at the heart of the state.
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