J-K government taking measures to strengthen use of Hindi for official purposes
The Jammu and Kashmir government has informed the Legislative Assembly that several measures are being implemented to promote and strengthen the use of Hindi for official purposes in the Union Territory, in line with the provisions of The Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020.
Integration of Hindi for inclusivity and efficiency
In a written reply to a question raised by BJP MLA from Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania, the government said the initiative aims to ensure inclusivity, accessibility and administrative efficiency by integrating Hindi alongside Urdu, English, Kashmiri and Dogri — the five official languages recognised under the Act.
Before the enactment of the 2020 legislation, Urdu served as the primary official language of the erstwhile state, while English was used extensively for administrative and legal purposes. Following the reorganisation of the Union Territory in 2019, the government is aligning its language policy with the Union government’s framework, where Hindi and English are the primary official languages.
Bilingual correspondence and committee report
“All official correspondences received in Hindi are properly replied and responded to in bilingual form, Hindi and English,” the minister in charge stated in the written response.
The government said a committee formed in 2022 to identify areas for the use of the official languages has submitted its report, which is pending approval due to clarifications sought by the Finance Department.
Database and E-Office integration
To strengthen Hindi usage in government offices, a comprehensive database of existing language cells across departments is being prepared to assess their functionality, staffing and linguistic practices.
The government added that the e-office system, operational across all departments, includes an inbuilt software module for drafting correspondence in Hindi, facilitating its gradual adoption in official communication.
Trilingual websites and training initiatives
The government stated that official websites and departmental portals are being made trilingual — in Hindi, Urdu and English — to ensure wider accessibility.
In collaboration with universities and other departments, the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages is developing training modules and workshops to enhance the use of official languages, including Hindi, in daily correspondence.
Promotion of linguistic diversity
Dedicated sections for official languages, including Hindi, are being set up in public libraries across the Union Territory to promote linguistic diversity and literacy.
On recruitment rules, the government clarified that proficiency in Hindi is not yet mandatory for all services. However, the provisions of the Official Languages Act, 2020 will be implemented as per departmental requirements.
Challenges in implementation
Addressing delays in implementing Hindi-related provisions, the minister said a multilingual administrative system demands coordination between departments, standardisation of formats, trained personnel, and the development of multilingual software.
He said the administration is taking steps to strengthen the administrative, technological, and awareness mechanisms necessary for effective use of all official languages.
Promotion of Sanskrit under consideration
Responding to a separate query, the government said the proposal to establish a dedicated Sanskrit board or academy in Jammu and Kashmir will be considered in due course, depending on the number of students and demand for the subject.
“The establishment of dedicated boards or academies for the promotion of Sanskrit or any other language shall be taken into consideration as per requirement,” the government stated, adding that it supports efforts to promote classical languages, including Sanskrit.
Commitment to multilingual governance
The Jammu and Kashmir administration reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the use of Hindi, Urdu, English, Kashmiri and Dogri in official communication and public interaction.
It said the initiative is aimed at ensuring greater inclusivity, accessibility, and linguistic balance across the Union Territory.