Question

Originally it was laid down in the Constitution that English as the language of communication shall continue to be used for all purposes of the Union for a period of __________.

• A. $15$ years
• B. $20$ years
• C. $25$ years
• D. $30$ years

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$15$ years

The correct option is A.

As provided in Article 343(1) of the Indian Constitution, Hindi in Devanagari script is the official language of the Union. But, as per Article 343(2), it was laid down that English would continue to be in use as the official language for the work of the Union for a period of 15 years from the date of the applicability of the Constitution that is up to 25th January 1965. However, Article 343(3), gave powers to the parliament to provide by law to continue the use of English language for official purposes even after 15 years. Section 3(2) of the Official Languages Act, 1963 also states the same in this respect and also states that both Hindi and English need to be used compulsorily for certain specified purposes such as Resolutions, Notifications, Agreements, Licenses, Permits, etc.