The Assamese Language Learning Act, 2020 will come into force from January 1 next year, according to a government notification.
According to the Act, schools which are not teaching Assamese as MIL or first language or second language or elective language, will have to introduce Assamese as a subject in standards I to X from the academic year 2021 in a phased manner. The pre-primary schools will also introduce teaching of Assamese language from the next academic year.
The schools will have to follow textbooks prescribed by the respective academic authorities of the government for teaching Assamese.
A student who has not opted for his mother tongue (other than Assamese) as first or second language may study his mother tongue as third language.
However, a student admitted in class VI or above in any school on transfer from another state will be exempted from the purview of the Act.
Also, schools in the Sixth Schedule areas, Bodo medium schools of Bodo inhabited areas and schools in Barak valley areas have been exempted from the purview of the Act.
In case any school is found violating the provisions of the Act, the government will issue a notice to introduce Assamese as a compulsory language within one year.
If the institution fails to comply even after the lapse of a year, the trade licence issued by the municipal authorities would be cancelled, according to provisions of the Act. Power provided by the APDCL will also be disconnected.
