Use local languages in govt work: Amit Shah
Addressing Golden Jubilee celebrations of the department of official language, Shah insisted that governance must be conducted in local languages for the country to move forward with self-respect, based on its culture.
Mentioning the resolve to break free from slavery mindset - one of the 'Panch Pran' given by PM Narendra Modi - Shah said it can only be fulfilled only if a person takes pride in his own language and develops an ability to express, think, analyse and make decisions in that language.
"Indian languages should be used as much as possible in govt work, not only in Centre but also in state govts," he said.
Shah said that "our roots, traditions, history, identity and cultural way of life cannot progress if disconnected from language". Efforts to promote and preserve all Indian languages, including Hindi, would be made in the coming days, he said.
"Hindi is a friend of all languages and together, Hindi and other Indian languages enhance our self-pride," he said while adding that there should not be any opposition to foreign language either.
"No state can ever become great by neglecting its mother tongue and Modi govt has made many efforts to honour and dignify its languages," he said.
Shah said that Indian languages are getting an unprecedented boost in the field of technology, education and administration, and asked all state govts to take the initiative to impart medical and engineering education in local languages.
"New Education Policy2020 lays emphasis on teaching mother tongue and local language up to Class 5, and 8. 95% of applicants for post of constable in central armed police forces are now taking the examination in their mother tongue," he said. Shah said as part of Bhasha Sangam, a programme is being run in every school to teach students 100 commonly used sentences in 22 languages recognised by the Constitution.
He hailed Hindi Shabdsindhu initiative by the department, saying it would make the official language more accepted, flexible and comprehensive by enriching it with commonly spoken works, regardless of their origin.
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