In a recent event, the Indian Government announced its plan to make the Hindi language mandatory up to Class 10 in the eight northeastern states. While Hindi is considered as “the language of India”, this declaration has led to protests from various northeastern organisations. There has been criticism from several south Indian states as well, with many expressing support for the three-language policy – English, Hindi and the local language.
Arguments Against Hindi Imposition by Northeastern Organizations
Opposing groups have two main arguments. Firstly, they claim that the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution protects the state, prohibiting the Centre from imposing Hindi on students. Secondly, they believe that this move would eventually give an economic, academic and administrative advantage to Hindi-speakers, allowing them to dominate non-Hindi speaking regions of the country.
Hindi Language and Its Impact on Identity
India, being a linguistically diverse nation, has most of its states formed based on linguistic lines. Therefore, conflicts over identity, especially involving languages, tend to heighten due to limited resources. In the past, language status has been a contentious issue, leading to the division of states like Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Gujarat, which were created on a linguistic basis. Governments often use language policy as a tool to manage ethnic conflict. Hence, granting autonomy over language policy to the states might be a better approach than imposing a three-language formula.
About the Three-Language Formula & Its Importance
The three-language formula was proposed by the Kothari Commission in 1968 with the goal of promoting multilingualism and national harmony. According to the formula, the first language would be the mother tongue or regional language. The second language would be either English or another modern Indian language in Hindi-speaking states, and Hindi or English in non-Hindi speaking states. The third language would be either English or a modern Indian language in both Hindi and non-Hindi speaking states.
The formula was supposed to be implemented at the secondary stage by state governments. However, its execution faced challenges. Hindi-speaking states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar failed to promote the learning of south Indian languages, while states like Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Tripura were not prepared to include Hindi in their school curriculum.
Constitutional Provisions on Languages
India’s Constitution has several provisions related to languages. Article 29 safeguards the rights of minorities, allowing them to preserve their own distinct language, script or culture. Article 343 establishes Hindi in Devnagri script as the official language of the Union of India, with numerals following the international form of Indian numerals. This Article also extends the use of English as an official language for 15 years from the commencement of the Constitution.
Additional Articles such as 346, 347, 350A, 350B, and 351 further detail the regulations and rights concerning the use, recognition, and development of languages. Furthermore, the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution lists 22 recognised schedule languages.
The Path Forward
Embracing unity in diversity has always been India’s strength. Considering the significance of language in identity formation and India’s federal structure, both the Centre and states should operate collaboratively, steering clear from language hegemony or chauvinism.
