All questions of The Official Languages for UPSC CSE Exam

Overview of Language Policy in India
In 1965, significant changes occurred in India's language policy, particularly concerning the status of Portuguese as an official language.
Historical Context
- After gaining independence in 1947, India adopted a multilingual framework to accommodate its diverse population.
- The Constitution of India recognized several languages, but the status of each language evolved with time.
Portuguese Language
- Portuguese was primarily spoken in the regions that were formerly under Portuguese colonial rule, such as Goa, Daman, and Diu.
- Following India's liberation of these territories in the 1960s, the relevance of Portuguese diminished in the national context.
Removal from Official Status
- In 1965, Portuguese was officially removed from the list of recognized official languages.
- This decision stemmed from the move to promote Hindi and other regional languages as the medium of administration, reflecting the changing linguistic landscape of India.
Impact of the Change
- The removal of Portuguese signified a shift towards national integration and the prioritization of languages that were more widely spoken among the Indian populace.
- It paved the way for a focus on fostering national identity through languages that were representative of the majority.
Conclusion
The removal of Portuguese from the official languages list in 1965 was a pivotal moment in India's linguistic evolution, emphasizing the need for a language policy that resonated with the demographic and cultural realities of the country.

Explanation:

Kokborok as the Official Language of Tripura
Kokborok is the official language of the Indian state of Tripura. It is primarily spoken by the Tripuri people in the state. Here is a brief explanation of why Kokborok is the official language of Tripura:

Historical Significance
Kokborok is the language of the indigenous Tripuri people of Tripura. It has a long history and cultural significance in the state. Recognizing Kokborok as the official language helps in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Tripuri community.

Recognition and Representation
By making Kokborok the official language of Tripura, the state government acknowledges the linguistic diversity and ensures the representation of the Tripuri language in official communication, documentation, and administration. This promotes inclusivity and empowers the Tripuri community.

Cultural Identity
Language plays a crucial role in defining and preserving cultural identity. Making Kokborok the official language of Tripura helps in strengthening the cultural identity of the Tripuri people and fosters a sense of pride and belonging among the community members.

Promotion of Language and Literature
Official recognition of Kokborok contributes to the promotion and development of the language and its literature. It encourages the use of Kokborok in education, media, and other public domains, which, in turn, helps in preserving and enriching the linguistic heritage of Tripura.
In conclusion, Kokborok being the official language of Tripura is a significant step towards honoring the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Tripuri community and ensuring their representation and recognition in the state.

The correct answer is option 'A', which states that the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution contains 18 languages.

The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the recognition and official status of languages in India. It originally contained 14 languages at the time of its enactment in 1950. However, over the years, the number of languages included in the Eighth Schedule has increased to 22 languages through various amendments.

The Eighth Schedule recognizes the importance and diversity of languages in India and provides a platform for the preservation, protection, and promotion of these languages. It ensures that these languages receive official recognition and support from the government.

The inclusion of a language in the Eighth Schedule is significant as it grants it the status of an official language, allowing it to be used in official documents, legislative proceedings, and other government functions. It also enables the government to take measures for the development and advancement of the language.

The Eighth Schedule was added to the Indian Constitution through the First Amendment Act, 1951. It was introduced to address linguistic diversity and protect the interests of various language-speaking communities in India. Since then, it has been amended several times to include additional languages.

However, it is important to note that the Eighth Schedule does not deal with the administration of languages. The administration of languages is primarily governed by the Official Languages Act, 1963, which designates Hindi and English as the official languages of the Union government and provides for the use of other scheduled languages for official purposes.

In order to amend the Eighth Schedule, a constitutional amendment is required. It cannot be amended by a simple majority in Parliament. Any amendment to the Eighth Schedule would require a special majority, i.e., a majority of the total membership of each House of Parliament, as well as a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.

Overview of India's Official Languages
India is a linguistically diverse country with numerous languages spoken across its vast regions. The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution recognizes 22 languages as official languages.
Official Languages Recognized in India
- Marathi: The official language of Maharashtra, Marathi is widely spoken and has a rich literary heritage.
- Telugu: Predominantly spoken in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Telugu is one of the major Dravidian languages.
- Gujarati: This language is primarily spoken in the state of Gujarat and is known for its unique script and literature.
Why Burmese is Not an Official Language
- Geographic Context: Burmese is the official language of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma) and not India. It is the primary language of the Burmese people and is used in government, education, and media within Myanmar.
- Language Recognition in India: The Indian Constitution recognizes languages based on the linguistic demographics of India, and Burmese does not fit into this framework as it is not spoken widely within Indian territories.
Conclusion
In summary, while Marathi, Telugu, and Gujarati are official languages of India, Burmese is not recognized as such due to its status as the language of a neighboring country, Myanmar. This distinction is crucial for understanding India's linguistic diversity and the importance of regional languages within its borders.