What is Linguistic Diversity and Constitutional Provisions for Languages?
Historical Background
Key Points
10 points- 1.
Part XVII of the Constitution (Articles 343 to 351) specifically deals with official languages of the Union and states.
- 2.
Article 343: Declares Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union. English was to continue for 15 years, after which Parliament could provide for its continued use.
- 3.
Article 344: Provides for a Commission and Committee of Parliament on official language to make recommendations regarding the progressive use of Hindi.
- 4.
Article 345: Empowers state legislatures to adopt any one or more of the languages in use in the state or Hindi as the official language(s) for that state.
- 5.
Article 348: Specifies the language to be used in the Supreme Court and High Courts (primarily English, with provisions for state legislatures to authorize regional languages in High Courts).
- 6.
Article 350A: Mandates that every state endeavor to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother-tongue at the primary stage of education for children belonging to linguistic minority groups.
- 7.
Article 350B: Provides for the appointment of a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities to investigate matters relating to the safeguards provided for linguistic minorities under the Constitution.
- 8.
Article 351: Directs the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language and to develop it so that it may serve as a medium of expression for all the elements of the composite culture of India.
- 9.
Eighth Schedule: Lists 22 recognized languages of India (originally 14, expanded over time). These languages are eligible for various government recognitions, including being used in UPSC examinations.
- 10.
Official Languages Act, 1963: Provided for the continued use of English for official purposes of the Union even after 1965, alongside Hindi.
Visual Insights
Linguistic Diversity: Constitutional Framework & Policy Linkages
This mind map illustrates the constitutional provisions safeguarding India's linguistic diversity and connects them to key policies like the National Education Policy and the challenges faced in implementation.
Linguistic Diversity & Constitutional Provisions
- ●Part XVII of Constitution (Articles 343-351)
- ●Safeguards for Linguistic Minorities
- ●Eighth Schedule
- ●Policy Linkages & Challenges
Key Constitutional Articles on Languages in India
This table provides a concise overview of the most important constitutional articles related to languages in India, highlighting their provisions and significance for UPSC preparation.
| Article | Provision | Significance for UPSC |
|---|---|---|
| Article 343 | Official Language of the Union: Hindi in Devanagari script; English to continue for 15 years, Parliament can provide for its continued use. | Foundation for official communication at the Union level. Crucial for understanding the official language debate. |
| Article 345 | Official Language(s) of a State: State legislature may adopt any one or more of the languages in use in the state or Hindi as the official language(s). | Grants autonomy to states in choosing their official language(s), reflecting federal principles and linguistic diversity. |
| Article 348 | Language to be used in the Supreme Court and in the High Courts and for Acts, Bills, etc.: Primarily English, with provisions for state legislatures to authorize regional languages in High Courts. | Ensures uniformity and accessibility in the judiciary and legislative processes. Highlights the continued importance of English. |
| Article 350A | Facilities for instruction in mother-tongue at primary stage: Every state and local authority to endeavor to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother-tongue at the primary stage of education for children belonging to linguistic minority groups. | A key safeguard for linguistic minorities, promoting inclusive education and cultural preservation. Directly relevant to NEP 2020. |
| Article 350B | Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities: Provides for the appointment of a Special Officer to investigate matters relating to safeguards provided for linguistic minorities. | Establishes an institutional mechanism for monitoring and protecting the rights of linguistic minorities. Important for Prelims (constitutional body). |
| Article 351 | Directive for development of the Hindi language: Directs the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language and to develop it so that it may serve as a medium of expression for all the elements of the composite culture of India. | Outlines the Union's responsibility in promoting Hindi, balancing it with the protection of other languages. Important for understanding language policy debates. |
Recent Developments
5 developmentsOngoing debates about the promotion of Hindi and the protection and development of regional languages, including demands for inclusion of more languages in the Eighth Schedule.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes multilingualism and the use of mother tongue as the medium of instruction up to at least Grade 5, and preferably till Grade 8 and beyond.
Efforts to digitize, document, and preserve endangered languages and dialects across the country.
Challenges in providing education in all recognized regional languages, especially in diverse settings like Kendriya Vidyalayas, due to resource constraints and teacher availability.
The role of technology in promoting language learning and preserving linguistic heritage.