Imphal: A student of Linguistic department, Manipur University, representing the students of the varsity, has opposed mandatory use of Hindi as official language in the varsity.
The registrar of the varsity, M. Premjit Singh, on August 29, issued an order to use Hindi in official noting and drafting. It said quarterly inspections will be conducted to review the usage of the national language in respected sections and departments of the university.
The linguistic student Mayanglambam Malemnganba on Tuesday wrote to the registrar opposing the order.
The student said he recognises the importance of Hindi as one of the official languages, compulsory imposition raises concern of undermining the multilingual spirit of the Constitution and ignores Manipur’s own linguistic heritage, where Manipuri (Meiteilon) and English serve as primary official and academic languages.
Faculty, staff and students lacking Hindi proficiency may face administrative and academic difficulties, affecting efficiency, which was another concern on the mandate, he highlighted.
Such compulsion contradicts inclusivity, equality and respect for regional identity, potentially alienating the academic community. English already ensures smooth communication across linguistic groups and with national and international institutions, he added.
He requested the registrar to reconsider the order, and proposed to adopt a flexible language policy that respects Manipuri and English, allowing Hindi as an optional medium.
The registrar has suspended the order stating “Due to some procedure lapses the office order regarding the usage of Hindi in official noting and drafting has been kept in abeyance until further order.”
