75 Years of Independence: Official language resolution was passed in 1968, promotion of Hindi got momentum

On 18 January 1968, both houses of the country's Parliament passed the Official Language Resolution. According to the Official Language Resolution, a resolution for a comprehensive program was passed by the Union of India to increase the use of Hindi language for official purposes. According to the Official Language Resolution passed in the Parliament, according to Article 343 (1) of the Constitution of India, Hindi in Devanagari script will be the official language of the Union. The resolution also said that an annual measure of progress would also be placed before the Houses of Parliament, after which it would also be sent to all the states. According to the Official Language Resolution, measures should be taken to promote the 14 major languages ​​mentioned in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. At the same time, Hindi training scheme to provide training in Hindi language, stenography and typing was included in various schemes of the government to promote Hindi. Under this resolution, the Central Hindi Committee was formed in the country under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, under which Central Hindi Institutes were opened across the country.

Why the need for official language resolution

According to Article 343A of the Indian Constitution, Hindi in Devanagari script was declared as the official language of the Union. The same Article 343(2) provided that for a period of 15 years from the date of coming into force of the Constitution, that is, till 25 January 1965, the use of English would continue in the official functions of the Union. Later in 1963, the Official Language Act was passed, due to which the continued use of English continued even after 25 January 1965. According to this Act, both English and Hindi shall be used for purposes such as resolutions, rules, general orders, notices, press releases, administrative and other reports, licenses, tenders etc. At the same time, there was talk of promoting Hindi in the country because Hindi was the major medium of expression in the whole country. That is why in 1968 the Official Language Resolution was passed.

Key Points of Official Language Resolution

• According to the Official Language Resolution of 1968, the official use of Hindi started by the Sangh.
• Measures should be taken to advance the 14 major languages ​​mentioned in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, due to which 22 languages ​​are now registered in this schedule.
• Implementation of three language formula was advocated. According to this arrangement, regional language measures should be taken for the study of Hindi, English and any other modern Indian language in Hindi speaking areas.
• Knowledge of Hindi and English will be mandatory for selection of candidates to various posts in the Central Government.
• All languages ​​in the Eighth Schedule will be allowed as alternate media for All India Central Services Examinations.