Introduction
The use of Hindi in administrative work has deep historical roots in India. While English remained dominant during British rule, the demand for the use of Hindi in governance and public communication grew significantly after India gained independence. Understanding this historical context helps us see how language politics, cultural identity, and administrative needs influenced policy decisions and linguistic practices in the Indian administrative system.
Pre-Independence Period
During British rule, English was the primary language of administration, law, and higher education. However, regional languages, including Hindi, were used at lower levels of governance in some provinces. Hindi began to gain recognition as a potential link language among the Hindi-speaking population in northern India. Language movements, such as the Hindi-Urdu controversy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, also brought the issue into the political spotlight.
Post-Independence Developments
After 1947, the Indian government faced the challenge of selecting a national language that could unify the country. The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, declared Hindi in the Devanagari script as the official language of the Union under Article 343. However, English was allowed to continue for a transitional period of 15 years, which has since been extended indefinitely through amendments and policies.
Key Events and Policies
- Official Languages Act, 1963: Allowed continued use of English in official communication along with Hindi.
- Language Riots of 1965: In South India, especially Tamil Nadu, there were strong protests against the imposition of Hindi. This led to the assurance that English would continue indefinitely as an associate official language.
- Promotion of Hindi: Institutions like the Department of Official Language were established to promote Hindi usage in official domains.
Current Use of Hindi in Administration
Today, Hindi is widely used in central government offices, particularly in Hindi-speaking states. Documents, reports, notifications, and letters are often bilingual—published in both Hindi and English. However, the degree of use varies by region and department.
Challenges
- Linguistic Diversity: India has 22 officially recognized languages and hundreds of dialects. Promoting one language without excluding others is a challenge.
- Resistance in Non-Hindi States: Many states prefer regional languages or English over Hindi in administrative functions.
- Training and Resources: Not all officials are proficient in Hindi, and standardizing terminology remains a challenge.
Conclusion
The historical use of Hindi in administrative work reflects India’s efforts to balance national unity with linguistic diversity. While Hindi has gained prominence, English and regional languages continue to play vital roles. The administrative system in India remains multilingual, reflecting the country’s inclusive and democratic approach to language use in governance.