Sonowal govt announces measures for safeguard of Assamese

Amidst the anti-CAA protests in the state, the BJP-led government in Assam on Saturday announced a slew of measures for protection of Assamese language and land rights, welfare of ethnic communities and constitutional status to all tribal autonomous councils.

Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told a press conference here that the Cabinet has resolved to request the Centre to amend Article 345 of the Constitution to declare Assamese language as the state language, excluding the Bengali major Barak valley, two hill districts and the Bodoland Territorial Administration Districts (BTAD).

The Cabinet meet chaired by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also decided to introduce a legislation in the next Assembly session, making it mandatory to include Assamese language as a compulsory subject in all English and other medium schools in the state.

For protection of the land rights of indigenous people, he said a bill will be tabled in the Assembly to stop transfer of their land to outsiders.

Another legislation, the Assam Heritage Preservation Bill, will make encroachment, buying and selling of heritage property punishable, the minister said.

Asked why the new decisions were announced at a time when the state was being rocked by anti-CAA protests, Sarma said, "The train of agitation and development will run together. We are getting ready for the upcoming 2021 assembly polls. We have just about a year to fulfill our election promises."