Settling the Language for Cooperative Federalism

Why in news?

The latest effort to impose Hindi raises once again the issue of cultural nationalism, quite retrogressively.

What is the issue?

• Language is an essential ingredient of identity.
• The question of expressing national identity in a linguistically diverse society anxious was debated by the Constitution-makers and even linked to national prestige.
• The 11th volume of the official language committee recommended Hindi as the language of instruction and examinations in technical courses.
• This touched off a debate on its implications and practicality in terms of the availability of course material and of teachers qualified to communicate it adequately.
• Other issue is the competence of candidates undertaking examinations in Hindi language and competing in equal measure with those whose mother tongue it is.

What are the major provisions regarding languages?

• The Constituent Assembly debate covered language of legislatures, language of the courts and the judiciary, and language of the official work of the Union.

To know more about languages of India, click here

What about the origin of the dissent?

The Linguistic Provinces Commission (S K Dhar Commission) set up in 1948 argued against a linguistic basis of reorganisation of states, as it could lead to further division.

• The dissent began with the appointment of the First Official Language Commission headed by B.G. Kher in 1955.
• It assumed a violent form in 1965 in Tamil Nadu, where violent disturbances led to more than 50 deaths.
• So far, only the recommendations of the official language committee reports up to the ninth have been forwarded to the Parliament.
• The 10th and 11th reports have been submitted to the President and are not in the public domain.

What is the national language issue?

• Linguistic chauvinism is the term that firmly exercises power and superiority of one language over others.
• Excessive pride in one's own language breeds resentment and division.
• There are multiple concerns about imposing Hindi, such as the implications for competitiveness in the job market.
• Neither the chapter on Official Language nor Directive Principles of State Policy or Fundamental Duties, mention about national language.
• The constitutional course would be to opt for the language of Article 345 that allows each Legislature to use Hindi or to choose its language, for all official purposes.

References

1. The Hindu│ Settling the language for cooperative federalism
2. UTS│ A closer look at India’s language