Manipur University has put on hold its recent directive mandating the use of Hindi in official noting and drafting. The suspension, announced through Office Order No. 279 dated September 2, 2025, follows just four days after the original order that had directed all departments to adopt Hindi in their internal communications.
The First Directive
On August 29, 2025, the University Registrar had issued Office Order No. 274, asking departments and administrative units to begin using Hindi for official noting and drafting. The order, passed under the recommendation of the Official Language Implementation Committee, went so far as to propose quarterly inspections to monitor compliance.
For many, this signaled the start of what could have become a “Hindi-noting regime” on campus—raising fears of linguistic imposition in a state where local languages and English dominate academic and administrative work.
The Suspension Order
The September 2nd order (No. 279), signed by Registrar Prof. M. Premjit Singh, reverses course. It states that due to “procedural lapses,” the earlier Hindi-noting directive has been kept “in abeyance until further order.” The document was circulated to the Vice-Chancellor’s office, Finance Officer, Controller of Examinations, all Deans and Section Heads, and other officials.
Why This Matters
The episode has reignited debate over language policy in central institutions, particularly in regions where Hindi has limited practical use. In Manipur, language is a sensitive subject, closely tied to identity, culture, and access. A compulsory shift toward Hindi for administrative tasks could have disadvantaged staff unfamiliar with the language, while also stoking larger concerns of cultural dilution.
By keeping the order in abeyance, the University appears to have stepped back from a potential flashpoint. Still, questions remain: Was this only a procedural issue, or a recognition that the directive was untenable in the state’s linguistic landscape?
The Bigger Picture
This case highlights a larger national conversation—how should central institutions balance the promotion of Hindi with respect for India’s vast linguistic diversity? For now, Manipur University staff will continue with existing practices, but the debate over language policy is far from settled.
