The national language is gradually losing its craze in the northeastern states if the trend of students studying in Hindi medium in CBSE affiliated schools there is any indication.

The number of students appearing for the Class X examination in Hindi medium conducted by Central Board of

Secondary Education (CBSE) has constantly declined in the last three years.

In 2006, the number of students appearing for Class X in Hindi medium in the eight states was 1,675 which declined to 1,485 the next year and again plummeted to 1,161 this year, Minister of State for HRD M A A Fatmi informed the Lok Sabha.

Except Assam, the number of students in Hindi medium in other states remain negligible. In Mizoram, there were 18 students in Hindi medium in 2006 which came down to 15 and seven in 2007 and this year respectively.

The major languages used as the medium of instructions in education in these states include English, Assamese, Bodo, Bengali, Garo, Khasi, Mizo, Angami, Ao, Konyak, Lotha, Sema, Kokbarak.

The government has taken a slew of measures to promote Hindi in these states, the minister said. The steps include providing financial assistance to voluntary organisations for propagation and development of Hindi in non-Hindi speaking states, which include northeastern states.

he government is also providing financial assistance for appointment and training of Hindi teachers in non-Hindi speaking states, he said.