Give your opinion on how a language acts as a national identity of a nation and also express your views on how multi-linguistic society acts as a barrier and a bridge in advocating status quo of cooperative federalism?
Question Mapping
Subject:Polity and Governance (GS-II)
Sub-topic:Issues and challenges pertaining to the Federal Structure
Introduction with the official language of India and the linguistic diversity India accommodates.
Give your opinions on language acting as a national identity, quoting examples from European countries and India.
Now explain cooperative federalism and how multi-language use acts as a bridge and barrier within India with commission reports like B.G. Kher commission.
Conclude with the importance of multilingual representation for maintaining smooth functioning and cooperation between multilingual states i.e. cooperative federalism.
This article discusses the righteousness of opting for the language of article 345, to realize the political harmony implied in cooperative federalism.
Spelling it out
Language for official purpose: Article 345 leaves it to the state to choose its language for official purposes and Article 348 mentions about the use of the English language in legislative processes.
Development of Hindi: Article 351, directs the states to promote the spread of the Hindi language to serve as a medium of expression for the elements of the composite culture of India.
A dissent that surfaces from time to time
G. Kher Commission: This commission, appointed by Dr. Rajendra Prasad (Official Language Commission June 7, 1955) assumed a violent form in 1965 in Tamil Nadu resulting in more than 50 deaths.
Parliamentary committee on official language: So far, only the recommendations up to its 9th report in the year 2010 have been forwarded to the Houses of Parliament.
Recommendations of the 11th Report: It highlights its recommendations on the ‘language of instruction and examinations’ in technical courses, but neglects the question of identity in a diverse society.
Mains Question: 
Courses
Study
Notes
Home
Resources
More
