Actual Article
Article 343: Official language of the Union
(1) The official language of the Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script.
The form of numerals to be used for the official purposes of the Union shall be the international form of Indian numerals.
(2) Notwithstanding anything in clause (1), for a period of fifteen years from the commencement of this Constitution, the English language shall continue to be used for all the official purposes of the Union for which it was being used immediately before such commencement:
Provided that the President may, during the said period, by order authorize the use of the Hindi language in addition to the English language and of the Devanagari form of numerals in addition to the international form of Indian numerals for any of the official purposes of the Union.
(3) Notwithstanding anything in this article, Parliament may by law provide for the use, after the said period of fifteen years, of—
- (a) the English language, or
- (b) the Devanagari form of numerals,
for such purposes as may be specified in the law.
UPSC Notes for Article 343
Explanation:
- Official Language: Article 343(1) declares Hindi in the Devanagari script as the official language of the Union. The form of numerals to be used is the international form of Indian numerals.
- Transitional Provision: Article 343(2) states that for fifteen years from the commencement of the Constitution, English shall continue to be used for all official purposes of the Union, alongside Hindi where authorized by the President.
- Post-Transition: Article 343(3) allows Parliament to legislate the continued use of English and the Devanagari form of numerals for official purposes even after the initial fifteen-year period.
Key Points:
- Dual Language System: Initially established a dual language system for official purposes, recognizing both Hindi and English to ensure smooth administrative functioning.
- Transitional Phase: The fifteen-year period was intended to facilitate the transition to Hindi while retaining English to avoid disruption.
- Parliamentary Authority: Grants Parliament the power to extend the use of English and the Devanagari numerals beyond the initial fifteen-year period if necessary.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 343
Cases:
- No landmark Supreme Court cases specifically interpreting Article 343, but the article has been a subject of political and social discourse regarding the status and use of Hindi and English in official functions.
Commissions:
- Official Language Commission (1955): Established to review the progress of Hindi as the official language and to make recommendations for its promotion and development.
- Various Committees: Subsequent committees have been formed to assess and recommend measures for the implementation of Hindi as the official language while addressing the concerns related to the continued use of English.
Important Reports Related to Article 343:
- Official Language Commission Report (1956): Recommended measures for the gradual transition to Hindi and the phased reduction in the use of English.
- Parliamentary Committee on Official Language Reports: Regularly review the status and implementation of Hindi as the official language and provide recommendations to the government.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 343
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) According to Article 343 of the Indian Constitution, what is the official language of the Union?
A. English
B. Hindi in Devanagari script
C. Sanskrit
D. Urdu Correct Answer: B. Hindi in Devanagari script - (UPSC Prelims 2018) For how many years from the commencement of the Constitution does Article 343 provide for the continued use of English for official purposes of the Union?
A. Five years
B. Ten years
C. Fifteen years
D. Twenty years Correct Answer: C. Fifteen years
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 343
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of Article 343 in the context of India’s linguistic diversity. How has the dual language policy impacted the administrative and social fabric of the country?”
- Mains 2019: “Evaluate the challenges and benefits of implementing Hindi as the official language of the Union as provided under Article 343. What role does English continue to play in India’s administrative functions?”
Additional Insights:
- Linguistic Diversity: Article 343 acknowledges India’s linguistic diversity by initially allowing for the continued use of English, facilitating a smoother transition to Hindi.
- Policy and Implementation: The transition to Hindi has been gradual and pragmatic, considering the diverse linguistic landscape and the practical challenges involved.
- Role of English: Despite the promotion of Hindi, English continues to play a significant role in official functions, education, and as a link language in a multilingual nation.
Understanding Article 343 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the constitutional provisions for the official language of the Union, highlighting the balance between promoting Hindi and maintaining the utility of English. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the linguistic policies within the Indian Constitution.