GUWAHATI, March 5: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called for the widespread use of Hindi in state government offices, urging that the language should move beyond the confines of central government offices. Speaking at the Regional Official Language Conference in Guwahati on Wednesday, Sarma emphasized that Hindi must be accessible to all, particularly in regions where the language is not widely spoken.
“Hindi must not be confined to central government offices. It must also be utilised in state government offices with the help of technology,” Sarma said, adding that the Department of Official Language should focus on the language’s widespread use across India.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of simplifying the use of Hindi in government offices. “The Hindi language used for official purposes should not be too technical so that even people like myself, who are not fluent in Hindi, can use it. Only then will Hindi truly become a language of the people,” he explained. He noted that historically, many in North India lacked job opportunities due to a lack of proficiency in Hindi. However, with the increased popularity of the language, more opportunities have emerged for youth, he pointed out.
Sarma further stated that Hindi should remain inclusive, reflecting regional influences, in accordance with the vision of the Constitution’s framers. “Hindi should be a language of everyone, not just a select few. To ensure this, we must develop it further,” he said, highlighting Hindi’s role in fostering national unity and cultural integration. “Hindi is crucial for India’s unity, integrity, and cultural unification. We must ensure that Hindi reaches all corners of the country,” Sarma added.
The event also saw the presence of Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, Assam BJP President Dilip Saikia, Lok Sabha MP from Assam Bijuli Kalita Medhi, and other prominent figures.
