Imphal, March 19: Pertaining to a proposal made by O Joy for substitution of Bengali script with the original Manipuri script, the Manipur Official Language (Amendment) Bill 2006 was defeated by voice vote in the State Assembly.

Moving the private member Bill for substitution of Bengali script with Manipuri script, Joy reminded that the Manipuri language which served as the lingua franca of all communities of Manipur was previously not written in Bengali script.

Rather than Bengali script, Manipuri language ought to be written in its own script which was in use since ages.

Joy further clarified that it does not mean substitution of Manipur official language with Meiteilon.

Such a proposal for implementation of one's original script ought to be appreciated by every community, observed Joy while adding that with the commencement of learning Meitei script, the option for Roman script has also been provided for those not interested.

To pass the bill would be in the interest of all communities of Manipur, he noted.

Taking part in the discussion, MLA Ibomcha observed that as the bill is not supposed to be implemented within a specific time, passing the bill would not harm anybody's interest.

On the other hand, Dr Nimaichand asserted that to pass the bill is inevitable and cautioned that further delay would not bring any positive outcome but more complications.

Ruling MLA N Biren opined that there is nothing wrong in the substitution of Bengali script with Manipuri script but what matters is the time and situation conducive for the substitution.

Responding to the proposal, Chief Minister O Ibobi remarked that the spirit behind the proposed bill is appreciative but considering the high percentage of Meitei Mayek illiteracy at present, it would be extremely difficult to enforce any bill in this regard.

Assuring that the Government would produce the bill when the time is conducive, Ibobi appealed for withdrawal of the private member resolution.

Joining the discussion, Education Minister, Francis Ngajokpa noted that it would be a little early for the bill as it would take time to make people of the State literate in Manipuri script.

He further disclosed that the script is now being taught in classes I and II in addition to imparting training to 1517 teachers for implementation of the indigenous script.

After rectifying a few sections of the bill, O Joy urged to entrust the Secretary of the Assembly to take peoples' opinion and allow public to decide the matter.

On his refusal to withdraw the bill, the bill was defeated by voice vote.

On the other hand responding to a call attention motion raised by MLA L Ibomcha, Francis Ngajokpa disclosed that a case is pending in the Supreme Court objecting to the suffix of Manipuri to Bishnupriya language.

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