Official Language

Language is not just a means of communication; it is a cornerstone of cultural identity and national unity. In India, the question of an official language is deeply intertwined with the country’s rich linguistic tapestry and diverse heritage. Understanding the significance of an official language goes beyond mere administrative convenience; it reflects the essence of inclusivity, cultural pride, and effective governance.

Article 343(1) states that the official language of the Union is Hindi written in the Devanagari script. Additionally, Section 3 of the Official Language Act, 1963, permits the continued use of the English language for official purposes of the Union and in Parliament. However, the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists the official languages recognized by the Republic of India.

Constitutional Provision

Language of the Union

After fifteen years from the Constitution’s commencement, English can still be used alongside Hindi. Any ordinance, order, rule, etc., issued under the Constitution must have a Hindi translation published. Bills must be presented in English along with a Hindi translation.

Regional language

English is required to be used as the mode of communication between the Union and the states where Hindi is not the primary language.

Language of the Judiciary

The Governor of a State, with prior approval from the President, can permit the use of Hindi or the state’s official language alongside English. If any judgment, decree, or order is issued in a language other than English, it must be accompanied by an English translation.

Other provisions

A committee will be formed to assess the advancement of Hindi’s use for official Union purposes ten years after the enactment of section 3. The Central Government has the authority to establish rules to implement the objectives of this Act.

List of languages under the Eighth Schedule

Assamese
Bengali
Gujarati
Hindi
Kannada
Telugu
Urdu
Kashmiri
Malayalam
Tamil
Marathi
Oriya
Punjabi
Sanskrit
Sindhi (1967)
Nepali (1992)
Manipuri (1992)
Konkani (1992)
Santhali (2004)
Dogri (2004)
Maithili (2004)
Bodo (2004)

Steps to protect the linguistic diversity of India

To safeguard India’s rich linguistic diversity, several measures can be undertaken:

Advocate for multilingual education: It’s essential to incorporate teaching of children’s mother tongues alongside other languages in schools to preserve regional languages and encourage multilingualism.
Establish documentation and preservation efforts: The government could establish a national database dedicated to documenting and preserving endangered languages, thereby safeguarding linguistic heritage.
Encourage regional language usage: Promoting the use of regional languages in official communication would contribute significantly to preserving India’s linguistic diversity.
Implement language policies: The government should enforce language policies that encourage the use of regional languages across various sectors, including government offices, media, and the entertainment industry.
Ensure linguistic rights protection: Uphold the rights of all languages under the law, ensuring that minority language speakers have equal access to education, government services, and employment opportunities.