Axam Xahitya Xabha and AJYCP criticize SEBA's move on Assamese language

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The AXX (Axam Xahitya Xabha) is fumed at the notification on the Assamese language issued by the SEBA (Board of Secondary Education, Assam) on April 12.

The premier literary organization of the State said that it would never accept anything that might lower the dignity of the Assamese language.

The SEBA's notification came close on the heels of the AXX central committee meeting Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and spelling out all that needed for the protection and spread of the Assamese language. Issues like implementation of the Official Language Act and making Assamese the lingua franca also came up for discussion at the meeting.

AXX president Kuladhar Saikia talked to the SEBA Chairman expressed his concern over the notification on the Assamese language.

The AJYCP (Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba-Chatra Parishad) also demanded of the SEBA to cancel its notification on the Assamese language.

In a statement on Sunday, AJYCP general secretary Palash Changmai said, "By allowing students to take the Assamese language as an additional subject, the language has been made redundant in the State. This is against what Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told the State Assembly. Sarma had told the House that Assamese would be made compulsory in all English and Hindi medium private schools in the State."

Barring schools in Sixth Scheduled areas, Barak Valley and Bodo medium schools of other areas; other schools in the State will have two options. If a student does not opt for Assamese as MIL, he/she can choose Assamese (E) as an Elective Subject. In such a case, the total number of subjects will be six.

If a student neither opts for Assamese as MIL nor for Assamese (E) as an Elective subject, he/she has to opt for Assamese (E) as an additional subject, and it will be his/her 7th paper (100 marks). The number of subjects for such candidates will be seven.

The marks obtained in the additional 7th paper will not be counted for merit purposes, and it will be shown separately in the mark sheet.

However, the candidates are strictly directed to appear in the examination of the 7th paper to qualify in the HSLC examination. Extra certificate of proficiency will be provided to candidates who will secure 45% and above in their 7th paper.

On the other hand, in schools in 6th Scheduled areas, Barak Valley districts and Bodo medium schools, if the students select MIL/IL subject other than Assamese, they will get an option for taking Assamese (E) as an additional subject (7th paper), which will not be a compulsory subject. However, the marks obtained in this additional 7th paper will not be counted for merit purposes, and it will be shown separately in the mark sheet.

The AASU did oppose the SEBA's move earlier.

Also Read: All Assam Students' Union lambasts SEBA for decision on Assamese language

Also watch: Deer rescued at Jamugurihat