Official Language

What is Official Language?

An Official Language is a language designated by law to be used in the official business of a country or state. India has Hindi as its official language and English as an additional official language.

Historical Background

The issue of official language was highly debated during the drafting of the Constitution. The Eighth Schedule lists the official languages of India. Initially, English was to be phased out, but it continues to be an additional official language.

Key Points

8 points

1.
Article 343(1) states that the official language of the Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script.
2.
Article 343(2) allowed for the continued use of English for all official purposes of the Union for a period of 15 years from the commencement of the Constitution.
3.
The Official Languages Act, 1963 allowed for the continued use of English indefinitely.
4.
Article 344 provides for the constitution of a Commission and Committee of Parliament on Official Language.
5.
The Eighth Schedule to the Constitution lists 22 official languages.
6.
States have the freedom to adopt their own official language(s).
7.
Communication between the Union and a State, and between States, can be in the official language of the State.
8.
The three-language formula aims to promote multilingualism and national integration.

Visual Insights

Evolution of Official Language Policy in India

Timeline of key events related to the official language policy in India.

The official language issue has been a sensitive topic in India since independence, reflecting the country's linguistic diversity.

1949Constituent Assembly debates on official language.
1950Article 343 declares Hindi as the official language of the Union.
1963Official Languages Act allows continued use of English.
1965Anti-Hindi agitations in South India.
1967Amendment to the Official Languages Act.
1986National Policy on Education emphasizes the three-language formula.
2005National Translation Mission established.
2019Debate on making Hindi a national language.
2024Government promotes use of technology for translation.
2026Controversy over Gujarati notification in Palghar.