Language Policy
India's approach to language policy is a key aspect of its federal structure. The Constitution does not designate any language as the national language, but Hindi is identified as the official language. Despite this, only about 40% of Indians speak Hindi as their mother tongue, leading to the adoption of several measures to protect other languages. The recognition of 22 scheduled languages ensures that candidates for central government examinations can choose their preferred language for the tests.
The government's cautious promotion of Hindi contrasts with other countries like Sri Lanka, where the imposition of a majoritarian language has led to conflict. In India, the policy aims for accommodation and respect for linguistic diversity; thus, the use of English was allowed to continue alongside Hindi due to demands from non-Hindi-speaking states. This flexibility is seen as crucial for maintaining national unity and avoiding fragmentation based on linguistic lines.
Additionally, the relationship between the central and state languages is vital for local governance and administration. States may have their own official languages, and much of the governmental work is done in these languages. As such, India's language policy reflects a careful balance of promoting Hindi while allowing space for regional languages, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect among diverse linguistic communities.