Parliamentary committee lauds MHA for 'significantly advancing' use of Hindi

New Delhi: At a time allegations of Hindi imposition by DMK-led Tamil Nadu government have made it to headlines, a Parliamentary committee has lauded the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for "significantly advancing" the use of Hindi and implementing the Official Language Policy effectively.

It also urged the government to complete the census at the earliest while noting that the assurance given by the MHA that, if required, additional funds may be provided at a later stage for census-related activities.

In its report on the Demand for Grants for the MHA, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs said the Ministry could consider increasing the frequency of All India and Regional Official Language Conferences besides incorporating interactive workshops and addressing practical challenges faced by government offices in the use of Hindi. 

The Budget 2025-26 has seen allocation for the promotion of Hindi, which is an official language, at Rs 95.84 crore, up from the revised estimate of Rs 79.71 crore in 2024-25.

The panel headed by senior BJP MP Radha Mohan Das Aggarwal also commended the development of the AI-based translation software 'Kanthastha' and suggested that its scope could be expanded by integrating additional Indian languages and enhancing technical translation accuracy. 

It also "recognised" the establishment of Bhartiya Bhasha Anubhag, as it aims to facilitate official communication between the central and state governments in their respective official languages, ensuring linguistic inclusivity in governance. 

The multi-party panel also wanted the MHA to prepare the data of influx of immigrants like Bangladeshis and Rohingyas.

“Rohingyas are entering and settling illegally in various parts of the country. The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Home Affairs should take effective steps to identify the illegally settled Rohingyas and repatriate them to their parent countries,” it said.

The panel also asked whether the MHA is maintaining any kind of record of around 25-30 lakh floating population in Delhi and what kind of basic facilities are available for them. The floating population consists primarily of individuals seeking employment, business opportunities or visiting for tourism and travel purposes.