SYLLABUS

GS-2: Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions & Basic Structure; Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure. 

Context: Hindi Diwas, observed on 14 September, commemorates the Constituent Assembly’s 1949 decision to adopt Hindi in Devanagari script as the Official Language of the Union, following a contentious debate over India’s linguistic future.

Language Debate in the Constituent Assembly

• Language was among the most contentious issues before the Constituent Assembly, with the challenge of reconciling national integration and administrative unity with India’s linguistic diversity.
• Hindi proponents sought Hindi as the principal language of the Union, while representatives from non-Hindi-speaking regions opposed linguistic uniformity and stressed the need for continued use of English.
• The debate extended beyond Hindi vs. English to alternatives such as Hindustani and Sanskrit, besides questions concerning script and numerals.
• Leaders such as Jawaharlal Nehru and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad highlighted the practical difficulties of an abrupt transition from English, particularly for administration and technical subjects.
• The eventual approach therefore sought consensus and accommodation rather than a simple majoritarian decision on language.

Munshi-Ayyangar Formula: The Constitutional Compromise

• K.M. Munshi and N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, members of the Constituent Assembly’s Drafting Committee, were associated with the compromise known as the Munshi-Ayyangar Formula.
• Official Language: Hindi in Devanagari script was prescribed as the Official Language of the Union.
• Numerals: The international form of Indian numerals was prescribed for official purposes of the Union.
• English: English was to continue for 15 years from the commencement of the Constitution for all Union official purposes for which it was being used immediately before the Constitution commenced.
• Gradual transition: The arrangement sought to facilitate a gradual transition towards Hindi rather than an abrupt displacement of English.
• The settlement was incorporated into the constitutional framework through Article 343, which forms part of Part XVII dealing with official language.
• Key distinction: Hindi was made the Official Language of the Union, not the National Language of India. The Constitution does not designate any language as India’s National Language.

From the 15-Year Transition to the Present Language Framework

• Article 343: Originally provided for the continued use of English for Union official purposes for 15 years from the commencement of the Constitution, i.e. until 26 January 1965. It also empowered Parliament to provide by law for the continued use of English thereafter.
• 1960s Language Controversy: As the 15-year period approached its end, strong opposition emerged in non-Hindi-speaking regions, particularly against the prospect of Hindi replacing English in Union administration.
• Official Languages Act, 1963: Provided for the continued use of English in addition to Hindi for specified Union official purposes and for the transaction of business in Parliament. Section 3 came into force on 26 January 1965.
• 1967 Amendment: The framework was subsequently strengthened to ensure the continued use of English alongside Hindi for specified purposes, including communication involving States that had not adopted Hindi as their Official Language.
• Other Constitutional Provisions: Articles 344–351 address the Official Language Commission and Parliamentary Committee, State languages, language of courts and legislation, safeguards relating to linguistic minorities, and directive for development of Hindi.
• Present framework: Hindi remains the Official Language of the Union, while English continues to be used alongside Hindi for specified official purposes under the Official Languages Act, 1963.

Eighth Schedule and India’s Language Framework

• Eighth Schedule: The Constitution originally included 14 languages in the Eighth Schedule. Subsequent constitutional amendments expanded the list to 22 languages.
• Scheduled Languages: The Eighth Schedule provides constitutional recognition to the listed languages. Inclusion in the Schedule does not confer the status of the Official Language of the Union.
• Official Language of the Union: Hindi in Devanagari script is the Official Language of the Union under Article 343, with the international form of Indian numerals prescribed for Union official purposes.
• State Official Languages: Under Article 345, a State Legislature may adopt one or more languages in use in the State, or Hindi, for all or any of the official purposes of that State.
• English: English continues alongside Hindi for specified Union official purposes under the Official Languages Act, 1963, as amended.
• National Language: The Constitution does not designate any language as India’s National Language. Hindi Diwas therefore commemorates the adoption of Hindi as the Official Language of the Union, not as a National Language.