INDIA’S LANGUAGE CRISIS : NAVIGATING MULTI-LINGUALISM IN A MODERN NATION
THE LAWWAY WITH LAWYERS JOURNAL VOLUME:-20 ISSUE NO:- 20 , MARCH 20, 2025 ISSN (ONLINE):- 2584-1106 Website: www.the lawway with lawyers.com Email: thelawwaywithelawyers@gmail.com Authored By :- Shikha Tiwari INDIA’S LANGUAGE CRISIS : NAVIGATING MULTI-LINGUALISM IN A MODERN NATION Abstract Language plays a crucial role in shaping individual and group indentities, it is a fundamental tool for communication. Each nation have their national language but India is a multilingual country therefore it has not any national language. According to 2011 census , India has 22 official languages, and over 19,500 dialects are spoken across the country. While linguistic diversity can be seen as a sign of India’s culture richness, it also poses some challenges for the country. Some non-states against Hindi since the pre –independence because they think that their regional language will be lost. In other hand, English language is taught in all states , so Can we not lose regional languages because of English? One of the biggest problem with linguistic diversity in India is the lack of a common language. Hindi is a Official language of the union under Article343 of constitution, many states have their official languages, which lead communication barriers between people from other states.In this article, discussed the language issue before independence to currently issue. It also discussed about that what is the three language policy? This article highlights the need for effective language policies that promote linguistic diversity, bridge communication gaps,and ensure equal participation in society. And what is the political impact of language issue? India should have a common language for job and easily travelling every part of India. Keywords- Linguistic diversity, Official Language, eighth schedule, National Education Policy, south states, Three Language Formula. ——————————– ———————————————————————————————————- 1.Introduction:- India is one of the world’s most linguistically diverse countries and some estimates say thousands of languages are spoken here. The language issue in India has been a diverse and challenging issue. The language issue is a senstive and complex matter, and the policies and comprise make during that period a aimed to strike a balance between promoting linguistic diversity and fostering national unity. Linguistic diversity posed challenges for national consolidation with the debate over the union’s official language state’s linguistic reorganisation. 2. What are the constitutional provisions of language:- Part XVII of the Indian constitution deals with the official languages in Article 343 to 351 .These provisions cover Language of the Union , Regional languages, Languages of judicial and texts of laws, and special directive. Official language- The Eighth sehedule to the constitution consists of the following 22 languages-Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkari, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, of Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil , Telugu, Urdu, Bodo, Santhali, Maithili , and Dogri. It can be noted that there is no fixed criteria for any language to be considered for inclusion in the Eighth sechdule. Hindi was adopted as the Official language of Union by the constituent Assembly of India on 14th September 1949 and with the adaption of the Indian constitution on 26 january, 1950, Hindi became the Official language of the Union. Article 343 ; The official language of the Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script. The form of numerals to be used for official purposes of the Union shall be the international form of Indian numerals. This article also states that English will continue to e used as an official language for 15 years from the commencement of constitution. However , the President may authorize the use of Hindi language in addition to the Engilsh language for any of the official purposes of the Union. Article 344; Provides for the constitution of a commission by the President on expiration of five years from the commission of the constitution. Regional languages- Article 345; Provides that a state may by adopt any one or more languages in use the state or Hindi as the language or languages to be used for all or any of the official purposes of that state. Article346; It is about the official language for communication between the states and between the states and Union. The article states that the “authorised” language will be used. However, if two or more states agree that their communication shall be in Hindi, then Hindi may be used. Article 347; President can direct any language that shall also be officially recognized throughout that State or any part of the state. Language of the Judiciary- Article348(1) Until Parliament by law provides English should be used in the following areas all proceeding in the Supreme Court and in every High Court, the authoritative texts of all bills and ordinances shall be in English language. Article348(2) provides further that notwithstanding the provisions of Article 348(1a), the Governer of state may, with the previous consent of President , authorise the use of Hindi or any other language used for any official purpose , in proceeding in the High Court. Special Directives- Article 350 Language to be used in representations for redress of grievences. Article 350A facilities for the instruction in mother-tongue at the primary stage. Article 350B provides for the establishment of a special officer for linguistic