Assam govt to approach Centre to declare Assamese as state language

While various organisations, students, artists, social-activists of Assam have intensified their protests against the Citizenship Act, 2019, the BJP-led Assam government on Saturday has decided several important schemes, measures by aiming to protect the Assamese language, land rights of the indigenous people. The state cabinet also decided that the Assam government will bring legislation in the next Assembly session making it mandatory that the Assamese language should be taught as a compulsory subject in all English and other medium schools including Kendriya Vidyalaya up to Class 10. Announcing the state cabinet decisions, Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said this law will not apply for hilly districts, BTAD, Bodo dominated areas and Barak Valley. In addition, Tai Ahom Development Council, Chutia Development Council and Koch Rajbongshi Development Councils will be restructured with substantial budget allocations," Himanta Biswa Sarma said. "The wages of the labourers of Assam Tea Corporation will be increased from Rs 137 to Rs 167 per day in Brahmaputra Valley and from Rs 115 to Rs 145 per day in Barak Valley and it will be implemented from January 1, 2020," Himanta Biswa Sarma said.