Question

What is language policy?

Hint:

A common misconception is that Hindi is India's national language. For exams, always remember that Hindi is the {official language} of the Union, not the national language. This distinction is crucial.

Answer 1

Step 1: Key Concept:
Language policy refers to the set of laws, regulations, and official positions that a government takes concerning the use of language(s) in the country. In a linguistically diverse country like India, the language policy aims to promote national unity while respecting regional linguistic diversity.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The language policy of India has the following key features:
1. No National Language: The Constitution of India does not grant the status of 'national language' to any single language. Hindi is designated as the 'official language' of the Union.
2. Official Languages: According to Article 343, Hindi in Devanagari script is the official language of the Union. English was to be used for official purposes for a period of 15 years from the commencement of the Constitution, but its use was continued by the Official Languages Act, 1963.
3. Scheduled Languages: The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution recognizes 22 languages as 'scheduled languages'. This recognition gives them representation on the Official Languages Commission and allows candidates to write civil services exams in these languages.
4. Promotion of Hindi: The Constitution directs the Union to promote the spread and development of the Hindi language.
5. Three-Language Formula: Though not a constitutional mandate, this policy is generally promoted in education, encouraging the study of Hindi, English, and one modern Indian language (preferably a southern one in Hindi-speaking states and vice-versa).