GUWAHATI, Sept 11 � The State Government has stated, in an official statement, that no change has been effected to the Assam Official Language Act, 1960 (as amended up to 10th November, 1967).
The latest circular (No. PLC/14/2011/51 dated 9th September, 2014) issued in this connection, clearly says that there has been no change in the language policy of the State Government, which is governed by the provisions of Assam Act No.XXXIII of 1960, the Assam Official Language Act, 1960 (as amended up to 10th November, 1967), said the State Government.
The statement has been issued in view of the controversy generated over the latest circular regarding use of official language in the Barak Valley, to clarify the State Government�s stand on the issue.
The statement said, �Section 3 of the said Act states without prejudice for the provisions of Articles 346 and 347 of the Constitution of India and subject as hereinafter provided, Assamese shall be used for all or any of the official purposes of the State of Assam: provided that the English language, so long as the use thereof is permissible (for the official purposes of the Union under any law made by the Parliament in this behalf) and thereafter Hindi in place of English, shall also be used for such official purposes of the Secretariat and the offices of the Heads of the Departments of the State Government and in such manner as may be prescribed.
�It is provided further that all ordinances promulgated under Article 213 of the Constitution of India; all Acts passed by the State Legislature; all Bills to be introduced or amendments thereto to be moved in the State Legislature; and all orders, regulations, rules and by-laws issued by the State Government under the Constitution of India or any law made by Parliament or the Legislature of the State shall be published in the official gazette in the Assamese language.
�Further Section 5 of the said Act states that without prejudice to the provisions contained in Section 3, the Bengali language shall be used for administrative and other official purposes up to and including the district level in the district of Cachar,� said the Government in its statement.
