Language Provisions in the States
The Constitution provides flexibility for states to choose their own official language or languages. The provisions regarding the official language of states are as follows:
- State Legislature's Choice: The legislature of a state may adopt any one or more of the languages in use in the state, or Hindi, as the official language of that state. Until such adoption, English continues as the official language of that state.
➤ Regional Languages: Most states have adopted their major regional language as the official language. For instance:
- Andhra Pradesh uses Telugu.
- Kerala uses Malayalam.
- Assam uses Assamese.
- West Bengal uses Bengali.
- Odisha uses Odia.
- Jammu and Kashmir uses Urdu.
- Nine northern states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan, have adopted Hindi.
➤ Multiple Languages: In some states, multiple languages are adopted:
- Gujarat uses both Hindi and Gujarati.
- Goa uses both Marathi and Konkani.
- English in the North-Eastern States: Some north-eastern states, such as Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland, have chosen English as their official language.
- Communication with the Union: For communication between the Union and the states or among different states, English is used as the link language. However, two or more states may agree to use Hindi for communication between themselves.
- Official Languages Act (1963): English is mandated for communication between the Union and non-Hindi states. If Hindi is used for communication between a Hindi and non-Hindi state, it must be accompanied by an English translation.
- Recognition of Other Languages: If the President finds that a substantial proportion of the population of a state desires recognition of a language spoken by them, he may direct that the state officially recognize that language. This provision protects the linguistic interests of minorities in the states.
These provisions allow states to adopt languages that best represent their regional linguistic diversity and cater to their populations' needs while also maintaining Hindi and English for wider communication and administration.
Articles of Regional Languages
345. Official language or languages of a state
346. Official language for communication between one state and another or between a state and the Union
347. Special provision relating to language spoken by a section of the population of a state
