Hindi finds favour in Modi’s regime

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi setting the trend by choosing to speak only in Hindi in his meetings, India’s official language seems to be back in favour in the corridors of power.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi setting the trend by choosing to speak only in Hindi in his meetings, India’s official language seems to be back in favour in the corridors of power.

Some ministries including external affairs have already started using Hindi and English in their official correspondences after getting their cue from minister-in-charge, Sushma Swaraj.

But soon all central government ministries/departments will be expected to use Hindi along with English not only in official documents/paper and file noting but in official correspondences and while responding to letters.

Though no formal orders have been issued as yet, the department of official languages (DOL) under the ministry of home affairs, responsible for ensuring compliance of the constitutional and legal provisions regarding official languages, has chalked a 12 point agenda related to using Hindi more extensively in the government.

It includes electronically preparing all official documents, correspondences and has requested all ministries/departments to implement the agenda.

“It is not an official order but just a soft reminder to the central government ministries to start using Hindi along with English for official work as mandated under the law,” said a home ministry official

Under the Official Languages Act, 1963, it is mandatory for central government ministries/departments to use Hindi along with English in files, documents and all official correspondences but over the years ministries chose to turn a blind eye to the rule.

In its circular dated June 10, DOL has also asked ministries to ensure that responses to letter sent in Hindi should be in that language only.