Question : USE OF HINDI

(a) whether most of the farmers in the country are semi-literate whose knowledge of Hindi, their national language, is better than English;

(b) if so, whether the Ministry of Agriculture, Universities and research institutions related to agricultural work, is done in English rather than Hindi;

(c) if so, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Government propose to introduce our national language in the Ministry of Agriculture, Universities and research institutions; and

(e) if so, by when and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTILAL BHURIA)

(a) Knowledge of Hindi of the farmers of Hindi speaking states of India like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar etc. is better than English but in other parts of the country, regional languages are prevalent.

(b) & (c): The medium of instruction in state agricultural universities is English. However, bilingual instructions (in English as well as in Hindi) are imparted in universities of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh etc.. Students are permitted to write answers of the question papers in Hindi as well.

The medium of instruction and scientific writing in ICAR system is often in English owing to the fact that the maximum literature and communication mode is globally accepted. However, scientists are writing books, literature and scientific papers in Hindi as well. Extension practices including preparation of instructional/training material is in Hindi and other regional languages also.

(d) & (e): Hindi is being used as an Official Language in the ICAR and its Institutes in day to day official works e.g. letters received in Hindi are replied to in Hindi, original correspondence is also done in Hindi to the extent possible, documents under Section 3(3) of the Official Language Act. 1963, are issued in bilingual form and extension literature is brought out in Hindi as well as in other regional languages.