Minister Expresses Concern Over Language-Based Divisions in India
A Union Minister voiced concern over attempts to create divisions using language, emphasizing India's unity in diversity.
Photo by Gayatri Malhotra
Quick Revision
Union Minister S. Gurumurthy expressed concern over language-based divisions
Emphasized India's unity in diversity
Cautioned against political exploitation of linguistic differences
Stressed the importance of respecting all languages, including Tamil
Visual Insights
Key Milestones in India's Language Policy & Debates
This timeline illustrates the historical evolution of language policy and related debates in India, providing context to the Union Minister's recent concerns about language-based divisions. It highlights how language has been a central theme in national integration and federal relations since independence.
The issue of language has been a sensitive and crucial aspect of India's nation-building process. From the debates in the Constituent Assembly to the States Reorganisation and subsequent policy formulations, language has shaped political identities and federal relations. The ongoing debates and concerns raised by the minister reflect the continuing challenges of balancing linguistic diversity with national unity.
- 1949Constituent Assembly adopts Hindi in Devanagari script as the Official Language of the Union (Article 343).
- 1950Constitution of India comes into force, including Part XVII (Official Language) and Eighth Schedule.
- 1955Official Language Commission (K.G. Kher) submits its report, recommending progressive use of Hindi.
- 1956States Reorganisation Act passed, largely reorganizing states on linguistic lines, acknowledging language as a key identity.
- 1963Official Languages Act enacted, providing for the continued use of English for official purposes of the Union even after 1965.
- 1965Widespread anti-Hindi agitations, particularly in Tamil Nadu, protesting the proposed switch to Hindi as the sole official language.
- 1967Official Languages (Amendment) Act passed, guaranteeing the indefinite continuation of English as an official language.
- 2014-PresentIncreased demands from various groups for the inclusion of more languages (e.g., Tulu, Bhojpuri, Rajasthani) in the Eighth Schedule.
- 2020National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 released, emphasizing instruction in mother tongue/local/regional language up to at least Grade 5, reigniting debates on the 'three-language formula'.
- 2022Union Home Minister's statement on Hindi as a 'link language' sparks fresh debates and concerns, particularly in non-Hindi speaking states.
- 2024Minister S. Gurumurthy expresses concern over elements attempting to create language-based divisions in India (Current News).
Exam Angles
Constitutional provisions related to language (Articles 343-351)
Eighth Schedule and its evolution
Official Languages Act, 1963
Linguistic reorganization of states and related commissions (Dhar, JVP, Fazal Ali)
Federalism and Centre-State relations concerning language policy
National integration and challenges posed by linguistic chauvinism
Role of language in education and administration
View Detailed Summary
Summary
Union Minister S. Gurumurthy recently expressed concern that certain elements are attempting to create divisions within India based on language. Speaking at an event, he highlighted that while India is a land of diverse languages, this diversity should be a source of strength and unity, not a tool for fragmentation.
He emphasized the importance of understanding and respecting all languages, including Tamil, and cautioned against political exploitation of linguistic differences. This statement comes amidst ongoing debates about language policy, federalism, and national integration, reminding us of the delicate balance required to maintain social harmony in a multilingual nation like India.
Background
Latest Developments
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the linguistic provisions in the Constitution of India: 1. Hindi in Devanagari script is declared as the sole official language of the Union. 2. The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution originally recognized 14 languages, and currently lists 22 languages. 3. Parliament has the power to make provisions for the use of English for official purposes even after 15 years from the commencement of the Constitution. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. Article 343(1) declares Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union, but Article 343(2) and (3) also provide for the continued use of English for official purposes. So, Hindi is not the *sole* official language. Statement 2 is correct. The Eighth Schedule originally had 14 languages and now lists 22 languages after subsequent amendments. Statement 3 is correct. Article 343(3) empowers Parliament to provide for the use of English for official purposes even after the initial 15-year period.
2. In the context of linguistic reorganization of states in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The Dhar Commission recommended the reorganization of states on a linguistic basis. 2. The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 created 14 states and 6 union territories. 3. The Fazal Ali Commission, while largely accepting language as the basis for reorganization, opposed the idea of 'one language, one state'.
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Dhar Commission (1948) actually opposed the reorganization of states on a linguistic basis and suggested reorganization on the basis of administrative convenience. Statement 2 is correct. The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 implemented the recommendations of the Fazal Ali Commission and created 14 states and 6 union territories. Statement 3 is correct. The Fazal Ali Commission (1953) broadly accepted language as the basis for reorganization but rejected the theory of 'one language, one state' to avoid further fragmentation and ensure national unity.
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Official Languages Act, 1963?
- A.It provides for the continued use of English, in addition to Hindi, for official purposes of the Union.
- B.The Act made the use of Hindi mandatory for all official communications between the Union and non-Hindi speaking states.
- C.It allows for the use of Hindi or English for proceedings in Parliament.
- D.The Act was enacted after the expiration of the 15-year period for the use of English as an official language specified in the Constitution.
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement A is correct. The Act ensures the continued use of English for official purposes. Statement C is correct. Both Hindi and English can be used for proceedings in Parliament. Statement D is correct. The Act was enacted in 1963, after the 15-year period (1950-1965) during which English was to continue as an official language alongside Hindi. Statement B is NOT correct. The Act provides for the *optional* use of Hindi or English for communications between the Union and non-Hindi speaking states, and it does not make Hindi mandatory for all such communications, rather it ensures English can continue to be used.
Source Articles
Political interests are creating linguistic divisions, says Education Minister - The Hindu
‘People often overlook divisions in the name of language and race’ - The Hindu
Language divide - Frontline
How the two-language policy officially came into force in the State of Madras - The Hindu
Urdu and Hindi: A History of Division, Politics, and Power - Frontline