Explain how the Constituent Assembly sought to resolve the language issue.
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Solution and Explanation
The language issue was one of the most contentious debates in the Constituent Assembly. India’s linguistic diversity posed a challenge in choosing a national language for administration, education, and communication. The major points of concern were the choice between Hindi and English and the status of regional languages.
Steps Taken by the Constituent Assembly to Resolve the Issue:
- Adoption of Hindi as Official Language: Hindi in the Devanagari script was adopted as the official language of the Union (Article 343 of the Constitution).
- Retention of English: English was allowed to continue as an associate official language for a period of 15 years from the commencement of the Constitution (i.e., until 1965), for use in Parliament, judiciary, and communication between the Union and states.
- Recognition of Regional Languages: The Constitution recognized the importance of regional languages. The Eighth Schedule initially included 14 regional languages (later expanded), giving them constitutional recognition.
- Three-Language Formula: A practical resolution was the adoption of a three-language formula in education—regional language, Hindi, and English—to promote linguistic unity without enforcing uniformity.
- Avoidance of Imposition: The Assembly sought to avoid imposing Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking regions. This helped maintain national unity and reduced friction among linguistic communities.
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