A Perfect gift
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: February 21, 2013 -

After 30 years, Language Directorate becomes reality :: Pix - Hueiyen Lanpao

The latest decision of the State Cabinet to set up a separate Directorate of Language, Planning and Implementation for development of Manipuri language and other major tribal dialects, has, indeed, fulfilled one of the long cherished dreams of the people, who have been raising the demand for more than 30 years.

After long years of agitation, Manipuri language was finally given due recognition and included in the 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution along with Konkani and Nepali on August 20, 1992.

The inclusion should have spurred significant development in Manipuri language, but it was not happening.

The status of Manipuri language has remained just the same, if not worsens, while other languages have moved ahead in terms of development.

Separate directorates for Konkani and Nepali have already been established long ago, but setting up of similar directorate for development and promotion of Manipuri language remained pending mainly due to half-hearted efforts of the successive State Governments, which believed in giving lip service only without the will to initiate necessary actions.

This was despite the fact that Manipur Legislative Assembly had approved establishment of a separate directorate for promotion of Manipuri language and other major tribal dialects spoken in the State way back in 1995.

In the following year, the State Cabinet too had passed a resolution in this regard. So, the latest decision of the State Cabinet taken on February 19 for setting up a separate Directorate is nothing short of a landmark decision.

Interestingly, the green signal of the State Cabinet on establishment of a separate Directorate of Language, Planning and Implementation for development of Manipuri language and other major tribal dialects has come just two days ahead of International Mother Language Day.

Since, 2000, people in Manipur join the International community in observing International Mother's Language Day on February 21 every year in tune with the resolution adopted by the General Conference of the United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in November, 1990 for promotion of native languages spoken by people in every nook and cranny of the globe.

International Mother Language Day has been designated in acknowledgement of the vital roles that languages play in any society in relation to identity, communication, social integration, education and development.

But in Manipur, the observance so far has always been a day of lamentation over the failure of the State Government to do anything precious for the development of not just a native language but also the official language of the State and its people.

With the State Cabinet presenting a perfect gift for the International Mother's Language Day, 2013 in the form of announcement of setting up a separate Language Directorate to pave way for effective implementation of Manipuri Official Language Act, 1979, that has remained in cobwebs all these years, we could only expect a jubilant mood at the observance function this time.