Guwahati: In a landmark decision, the Assam Legislative Assembly will officially recognize Hindi as a language of communication alongside Assamese, English, and Bodo. This announcement was made by Speaker Ranjeet Kumar Dass during a press conference held on Sunday, just ahead of the Budget Session set to commence on Monday.

The decision to include Hindi as an official language was reached during a general purpose committee meeting held the previous day. Dass stated, "The meeting was held on Saturday, and it was decided that Hindi would be introduced as an official language in the Assembly. This inclusion reflects our respect for Hindi as a 'Rashtra Bhasa' or national language," he added.

This move is expected to facilitate broader communication within the Assembly and enhance the participation of Hindi-speaking representatives. The Speaker emphasized the importance of recognizing Hindi, given its status as a widely spoken language across India.

The Budget Session, where this new policy will take effect, serves as a critical period for the Assembly, involving discussions on state finances and legislative matters. By incorporating Hindi, the Assam Assembly aims to create a more inclusive environment for lawmakers and constituents who communicate in Hindi.

While Assamese remains the primary language of the state, the addition of Hindi is seen as a way to bridge linguistic divides and foster unity among diverse communities within Assam. This decision aligns with the Indian government's broader vision of promoting Hindi at a national level.

As the Assembly prepares for this change, reactions from various political quarters are anticipated, with some praising the inclusion as a progressive step, while others may raise concerns about the implications for regional languages.