(a) whether Hindi language despite being declared as the official language of the country has not been able to gain ground;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps proposed to be taken to popularise Hindi as the official language of the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (I.D. SWAMI)
(a)to(c):- It would not be correct to say that Hindi is not being used extensively despite being declared the Official Language. It can not be denied that there has been an exponential growth in the use of Hindi in official work since its declaration as the Official Language of the Union. All Government resolutions, general orders, rules, notifications, reports to be laid on the Table of both the Houses of Parliament as also official papers, contracts, agreements, licences, permits and tenders, etc., are issued in Hindi. Bills etc. introduced in Parliament are presented in Hindi also. Notings on files and original correspondence are being done in Hindi. Letters received in Hindi are being replied to in Hindi.
However, this has to be accepted that the progress achieved in the use of Hindi has not met the expectations. Government are fully conscious of this and are taking necessary action in this regard on a continuing basis. Based on the policy of popularising Hindi through inspiration, motivation and goodwill, Government are implementing several incentive schemes aimed at propagating Hindi. For the purpose of propagating use of Hindi, Government are making use of all available forms of the media.
Training in Hindi language, Hindi typing, Hindi stenography and translation is being imparted to employees to make them proficient. Also a drive has been launched to promote use of computers in official work in Hindi.
Government are fully conscious of their constitutional obligations towards Official Language Hindi and are committed to discharging those obligations.