Archive · 29 Oct 2025
Assamese-speaking Population Declines in Assam; Experts Cite Infiltration and Language Definition
Imagine Assam is a big party, and most people used to speak the Assamese language.
But over many years, fewer and fewer people are speaking it.
In 1971, almost 60 out of every 100 people spoke Assamese, but now it's less than 46.
Some people think this is because of new people coming into Assam and some groups having many more children.
Others say we need to figure out who counts as an 'Assamese speaker' and encourage everyone to learn the language.
Some people are worried that if this keeps happening, the people who originally speak Assamese might not be the majority in their own home anymore.
They want the government to help protect the language and stop people from coming into the state illegally.
The percentage of Assamese-speaking population in Assam has dropped significantly from 59.53% in 1971 to an estimated 46% in 2021.
Former Asam Sahitya Sabha president Dr. Dhrubajyoti Bora suggests a broader definition of 'Assamese speaker' and advocates for stimulating Assamese as a second or third language.
AASU president Utpal Sarma blames infiltration from Bangladesh and population growth among a specific community for the decline.
AASU demands constitutional protection for the Assamese language, sealing of the Bangladesh border, deportation of illegal migrants, and a population control law.
Concerns are raised that the Assamese-speaking population may soon become a minority in their own state if current trends continue.
- Who
- Experts and organizations in Assam, including former Asam Sahitya Sabha president Dr. Dhrubajyoti Bora and All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) president Utpal Sarma
- What
- A significant decline in the percentage of Assamese-speaking population in Assam over five decades, leading to concerns of Assamese people becoming a minority in their own state.
- When
- The decline is observed between 1971 and an estimated 2021, with census data from 2011 also cited.
- Where
- Assam, India
- Why
- Concerns about the dwindling percentage are attributed by experts to factors including the definition of 'Assamese speaker', infiltration from Bangladesh, population explosion within a particular community, and a need for official government policy and constitutional protection for the Assamese language.
Definition and Promotion
Infiltration and Population Control
Determining who is 'Assamese'
Definition and Promotion
Dr. Dhrubajyoti Bora proposes including individuals who use Assamese as their first, second, or even third language, suggesting a broader and more inclusive definition. He advocates for encouraging all people of Assam to use Assamese as a second or third language and calls for an official government policy.
Infiltration and Population Control
Utpal Sarma focuses on external factors like 'infiltration from Bangladesh' and 'population explosion among a particular community' as the primary drivers of the decline, implying a need to control these specific demographic changes rather than broadening the definition of an Assamese speaker.
Solutions for Language Preservation
Definition and Promotion
Dr. Bora emphasizes stimulating people to use Assamese as a second or third language and avoiding a 'narrow-minded approach', suggesting a focus on cultural assimilation and adoption.
Infiltration and Population Control
Utpal Sarma demands strict measures such as amending the Constitution for language protection, sealing borders, deporting illegal migrants, and enacting a population control law, focusing on control and exclusion.
- 1971 Assamese Speakers
- 59.53%
- 2011 Assamese Speakers
- 48.38%
- 2021 Estimated Assamese Speakers
- Over 46%