SRINAGAR, Oct 28: The Jammu and Kashmir government informed the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that it is taking several concrete measures to promote the use of Hindi in official work, including making all departmental websites trilingual to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
In a written reply to BJP MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania’s query regarding the implementation of the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020, the government said Hindi, alongside Kashmiri, Urdu, Dogri, and English, is being actively promoted for official purposes.
“All official correspondences received in Hindi are replied to in both Hindi and English,” the minister in charge said, adding that a committee constituted in 2022 has submitted a report recommending areas where official languages should be notified for government use. The report is pending final clearance from the Finance Department.
To strengthen the official use of Hindi, the government is preparing a comprehensive database of existing language cells in various departments to assess functionality, staffing, and linguistic practices. The e-office system operational in all government offices also includes built-in Hindi reference modules, facilitating gradual adoption of Hindi in official communication.
The government further stated that all departmental and related portals are being made trilingual available in Hindi, Urdu, and English to ensure wider accessibility. Efforts are also underway to develop training modules and organise sensitisation workshops in collaboration with the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and local universities to enhance the practical use of official languages.
In addition, the government said dedicated sections for official languages, including Hindi, are being gradually set up in public libraries. On recruitment rules, it clarified that proficiency in Hindi, along with English and Urdu, will be incorporated depending on the specific service requirements.
Responding to questions on delays in implementation, the minister said establishing a multilingual administrative system requires cross-departmental coordination, standardised formats, trained manpower, and user-friendly multilingual software.
Regarding the creation of a Sanskrit Board or Academy in the Union Territory, the government said the proposal would be considered in due course, depending on the demand from students.
“The government fully supports initiatives aimed at promoting classical languages, including Sanskrit,” the minister concluded.