Language Debate: Calls for English Replies in Parliament

CPI(M) MP John Brittas protests against Hindi-only parliamentary replies, highlighting statutory language provisions and communication challenges for non-Hindi-speaking MPs. Brittas emphasizes linguistic inclusivity, writing in Malayalam to Railways Minister Ravneet Singh, urging adherence to English communication norms for South Indian MPs.

John Brittas, CPI(M) MP in the Rajya Sabha, has expressed strong opposition to the Union Government's use of Hindi-only responses in parliamentary communications, which he believes violates statutory language guidelines.

In a bold move of protest, Brittas penned a letter in Malayalam to the Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh, after receiving queries in Hindi. He highlighted how this departure from established norms of using English creates hurdles for MPs from non-Hindi-speaking regions.

Brittas underscores that, as per the Official Languages Act, 1963, English must be used alongside Hindi in parliamentary business. This linguistic disregard poses a significant barrier to effective communication, especially for representatives from southern states where Hindi is neither official nor widely spoken.

(With inputs from agencies.)