(a) whether there is any scheme for propagation of official language Hindi in the Ministry
of Planning;
(b) if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether propagation of official language Hindi is the responsibility of the Government;
and
(d) if so, the amount spent on this head during the last three years?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF
DISINVESTMENT, MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRIES OF PLANNING,
STATISTICS & PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION AND MINISTER OF STATE IN
THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS AND PUBLIC
GRIEVANCES (SHRI ARUN SHOURIE)
(a) & (b): Yes, sir. In addition to the incentive schemes proposed by the Department of
Official Language (Ministry of Home Affairs), the Ministry of Planning also has its own
scheme entitled `Kautilya Award Scheme` to promote original writing of books in Hindi.
Under this scheme, three awards are given to eligible authors of books on the basis of entries
received. The amount of awards is Rs. 18,000/-, Rs.12,000/- and Rs. 8,000/-. These awards
are given on the recommendations of the Evaluation Committee constituted for the purpose
every year.
(c): Yes, sir.
(d): There is no separate Head of Account for propagation of Official Language Hindi.
However, under the heads `Other Charges` etc., the amount spent for propagation of Official
Language Hindi during the last 3 financial years is Rs. 5,79,440/-.