Assam Govt grants Karbi official language status across KAAC region

DIPHU JUL 27: In a landmark decision aimed at strengthening indigenous administrative rights and preserving tribal identity, the Government of Assam has issued an addendum declaring Karbi an official language for administrative and official communication across the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) region.
The decision, issued through a Governor’s Order and circulated by the KAAC Secretariat in May 2025, mandates the use of Karbi alongside English for official correspondence in both Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts.
The move comes after indigenous youth and student organisations from the hill districts sought equal linguistic recognition when the state government designated Assamese as the primary official language while granting exemptions to the Bodoland Territorial Region, where Bodo is used, and the Barak Valley, where Bengali is recognised.
Welcoming the decision, KAAC chief executive member Tuliram Ronghang expressed gratitude to the state leadership, emphasizing that the decision honors both the cultural heritage and administrative aspirations of the community.
The Karbi community, which traditionally identifies itself as Arleng meaning “man” or “people”, is among the oldest indigenous ethnic groups of Northeast India and belongs to the Tibeto-Burman linguistic family. The community has historically inhabited the hill regions and valleys of Assam, including areas once designated as the “Mikir Hills” during British rule.
With the order now in force across all KAAC departmental offices, local authorities have initiated translation mechanisms and administrative training programmes to facilitate the implementation of Karbi in official work.
English will continue to be used for communication with the Centre and other states, while Karbi will serve as an official language for local administration, marking a significant step towards safeguarding the region’s linguistic rights and cultural identity.