KSA stands for strong Manipuri language
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 10 2018: In contemporary Manipur, the usage of Manipuri language is r showing a slow decline despite having a rich heritage while it often edges towards the brink of extinction and the language is now in a pathetic stage, said a statement from the Kangleipak Students Association.

In a proportion directly inverse to this trend, the use of foreign language is ever growing as if their usage supposedly makes the speaker more respectable, the student organisation lamented while adding the time has come to protect and develop the Manipuri language.

The KSA views that the usage of Manipuri language is tantamount to harnessing the love of motherland and in this context it has called for an overhaul in the utilization of the language.

The statement maintained that all the steps of file processing between Government departments or within one of them must use Manipuri and the language must also be used for all official purposes.

The KSA said the usage of English not only pushes the Manipuri language aside but also uses translators, and sometimes resulting in the necessity of engaging legal experts in redundant manners.

As it is not the first languages there have also been numerous cases of wrong or unintended interpretation and evidences show it is not going to end soon.

It further informed that Article 345 of the Constitution of India has provisions for a State Legislature to make use of a particular language for official purposes.

Besides in Education (S), under point 2, it spells out the function and responsibility of the Directorate of Language Planning and Implementation while clearly mentioning that administration is for the welfare of the people and as a matter of fact, Manipuri must be made the language of choice.

As Meitei Mayek is relatively in its nascent stage, English alphabets (Roman letters) can be used as starters for file processing in the Government departments.

The Manipuri Official Language Act 1979 also stipulates that the onus is on the Directorate to utilise Manipuri as the official language in all the Government offices and departments.

Under this Act, in clause 1 of section 3, it mentions as well that Manipuri should be used for official purposes in the State.

Then in section 6, all the Bills, Acts, ordinances, and other orders, regulations and by-laws must either be in English or Manipuri.

Moreover, in section 7, for communication amongst the districts or between the districts and the State, Manipuri should again be the language of choice.

To summarise, the State Government and its departments must take the initiative to develop Manipuri language.

During the creation of Bills and Acts, there must always be a version in Manipuri too.

In this regard, the KSA had also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister for" the protection and development of the Manipuri language and fortunately, its foundation has already been laid firmly with the Manipuri Official Language Act 1979 and Article 345 of the Constitution.

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