Part XVII - Languages • Article

Article 343 Simplified: Official language of the Union

Article 343 defines the 'Official Languages' of the Central Government. It says that Hindi is the official language, but it also allows English to be used for all official work (like in courts, Parliament, and banks). This balance ensures that people from both North and South India can communicate with the government in a language they understand.

Official Text

(1) The official language of the Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script. The form of numerals to be used for the official purposes of the Union shall be the international form of Indian numerals. (2) Notwithstanding anything in clause (1), for a period of fifteen years from the commencement of this Constitution, the English language shall continue to be used for all the official purposes of the Union for which it was being used immediately before such commencement: Provided that the President may, during the said period, by order authorise the use of the Hindi language in addition to the English language and of the Devanagari form of numerals in addition to the international form of Indian numerals for any of the official purposes of the Union. (3) Notwithstanding anything in this article, Parliament may by law provide for the use, after the said period of fifteen years, of— (a) the English language; or (b) the Devanagari form of numerals, for such purposes as may be specified in the law.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

This rule says that Hindi is the official language of our Central Government, and numbers should be written in the normal way (1, 2, 3). It also allows English to be used for government work so that people in different states can communicate easily.

Student Mode

Declares Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union, and the international form of Indian numerals (1, 2, 3...) as the official form of numerals. Clause (2) permitted the continued use of English for 15 years (until 1965). Clause (3) authorized Parliament to legislate the continued use of English after 15 years, leading to the Official Languages Act, 1963.

Example

When the Central Government sends a new rule about COVID-19 safety, it is always written in both Hindi and English so that everyone across India can understand it.

Key Takeaway

Hindi and English are both used for the official work of the Indian Government.

FAQs

Is Hindi the National Language of India?

No. The Constitution does not designate any language as the 'National Language'. Under Article 343, Hindi is the 'Official Language' of the Union. India has 22 officially recognized languages listed in the Eighth Schedule, but no single national language.

How was English allowed to continue as an official language after 1965?

Under Article 343(3), Parliament passed the Official Languages Act, 1963. This law allowed English to be used indefinitely alongside Hindi for official purposes of the Union and for transaction of business in Parliament.

Quiz

According to Article 343, the official language of the Union is:

Answer: Hindi in Devanagari script

What form of numerals is authorized for official Union purposes under Article 343?

Answer: International form of Indian numerals

Under which clause can Parliament legislate to extend the use of the English language indefinitely?

Answer: Article 343(3)