Subject: Polity
The Official Language of the Union is Hindi in the Devanagari script, as provided under Article 343 of the Constitution, but English is also used for official purposes for a transitional period and as needed. The Constitution also recognizes the importance of regional languages, and every state can adopt its own official language(s). Additionally, the language of the Judiciary and the texts of laws are often required to be published in both Hindi and English to ensure accessibility.
In simple language, India respects multiple languages. The Official Language policy ensures that the central government works in Hindi and English, while states use their regional languages. Special directives and a Committee of Parliament on Official Language help guide policies related to language usage. Moreover, certain languages have been granted the status of Classical Languages, acknowledging their rich heritage and literary traditions. Recent debates and policy reviews have focused on balancing national unity with linguistic diversity, ensuring that language does not become a barrier to governance or social inclusion.
Overall, these provisions reflect India’s commitment to linguistic pluralism and the protection of regional cultures while maintaining an effective communication framework for administration and justice.