AI Generated Summary
- In a written communication following the meeting, Oberoi assured the delegations that a comprehensive Bill addressing both the recognition and implementation of Punjabi as an official language would be placed before the Assembly in its forthcoming Budget Session.
- The NC leader also acknowledged the cultural significance of Punjabi and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the linguistic rights and heritage of different communities in Jammu and Kashmir.
- The National Conference-led government in Jammu and Kashmir has assured the Sikh community that legislation granting official-language status to Punjabi will be introduced during the upcoming Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly.
The National Conference-led government in Jammu and Kashmir has assured the Sikh community that legislation granting official-language status to Punjabi will be introduced during the upcoming Budget Session of the Legislative Assembly. The assurance comes after nearly two weeks of demonstrations across the Union Territory demanding recognition of the language.
The protests, organised by members of the Sikh community in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir, sought the inclusion of Punjabi among the Union Territory’s official languages. Protesters had been pressing the government to address the long-standing demand and take concrete legislative steps to protect the community’s linguistic and cultural identity.
The development followed a meeting between representatives of the Sikh community and National Conference Treasurer and Rajya Sabha MP Shammi Oberoi. During the discussions, community delegates conveyed their concerns over the status of Punjabi and emphasised the importance of securing formal recognition for the language.
Responding to the demands, Oberoi reaffirmed the commitment of the government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to fulfil the promise of granting Punjabi official-language status. He pointed out that the proposal was also part of the National Conference’s election manifesto.
In a written communication following the meeting, Oberoi assured the delegations that a comprehensive Bill addressing both the recognition and implementation of Punjabi as an official language would be placed before the Assembly in its forthcoming Budget Session.
He further conveyed that the government would work towards securing the passage of the proposed legislation and completing the necessary administrative formalities to ensure its effective implementation.
The NC leader also acknowledged the cultural significance of Punjabi and reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the linguistic rights and heritage of different communities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Appealing for continued confidence in the administration, Oberoi urged community representatives to place their trust in the government’s commitment to resolving the matter through the legislative process.
Following the assurance, Sikh community representatives announced the withdrawal of their ongoing protests across Jammu and Kashmir, bringing the two-week agitation to an end.
The government’s commitment now places the focus on the forthcoming Assembly session, when the proposed legislation is expected to be introduced. Its passage and subsequent implementation would mark a significant development in the Sikh community’s campaign for official recognition of Punjabi in the Union Territory.
