Question

Here are three reactions to the language policy followed in India. Give an argument and an example to support any of these positions. Sangeeta: The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity. Arman: the Language-based States have divided us by making everyone conscious of their language. Harish: This policy has only helped to consolidate the dominance of English over all other languages.

Answer 1

Answer: The reaction of Sangeeta is more apt. The policy of accommodation has strengthened national unity.

• The kind of political situation prevalent in Sri Lanka was avoided in India, due to the flexibility shown by Indian political leaders.
• Many non Hindi speaking States demanded that the use of English continue even though the Constitution wanted to stop the use of English in 1965 for official purposes.
• People of different languages and regions had to share power and in each region, people of that region should govern themselves.
• States too have their own official languages.
• Much of the government work takes place in the official language of the concerned State.
• There was awareness about the existence of linguistic diversity and regional diversity.
• If we wanted a democratic government, this was the only logic.
• Recognition had to be conferred to this diversity.
• The first and a major test for democratic politics in our country was the creation of linguistic states.
• In order to create new States, the boundaries of several old States of India were changed in 1947. This was done to ensure that people who spoke the same language lived in the same State.
• Experience has shown that the formation of linguistic States has made administration easier and united the country.
• The language policy was the second test of our federation.
• No language received the status of national language in our Constitution.
• Hindi was identified as the official language. But Hindi is the mother tongue of only about 40 percent of Indians.
• Therefore, to protect other languages, there were many safeguards.
• Besides Hindi, there are 21 other languages recognised as Scheduled Languages by the Constitution.
• In examinations conducted to fill positions in the Central Government, a candidate can opt to take the examination in any of these languages.
• A democratic rule involves sharing power with those affected by its exercise, and who have to live with its effects.
• Power sharing is the very spirit of democracy.
• This is a deeper reason which explains why power sharing is good for democracies.
• Through participation, citizens acquire a stake in the system in a legitimate government.
• People have a right to be consulted on how they are to be governed.
• The possibility of conflict between social groups will be reduced if the power is shared.
• Power sharing is a good way to ensure the stability of political order, since social conflict often leads to political instability and violence.