Question- Why and when English is declared as an official language of Administration?

Ans.

(i) Official Language of Administration :- English has been the official language of the country for more than 200 years. It has been declared as the Associate official language of the Union for an indefinite period by an Act of Parliament in 1963. As such, it dominates the administrative business at the centre as well as in states. All the administrative work is done in English throughout the country.

(ii) Language of the Court :- English was the language of the court of law. Judges and magistrates wrote and announced their decisions in English and they still do. Lawyers and barristers pleaded their case in English. All the records of all the courts were kept in this language. Even today, it continues to occupy an important place in courts, especially the high courts and the supreme court.

(iii) Language of the State :- During the British rule, English was the language of the state and all official correspondence was done in English. All the administrative jobs, including petty clerical posts were opened only to those who had a knowledge of English.

(iv) Language of Trade and Industry :- With the development of trade and Commerce English became the language of trade industry because most the work of these fields was carried on in English. Businessmen and merchant living in the same province and other provinces used English for the maintenance of accounts, audit and correspondence. It facilitated their work.
Q. 4. How did English open the gates of Western Sciences and Arts to Indians ?
Ans. Language of Western Sciences and Arts :- English opened the gates of Western Sciences and Arts to Indians. By learning English they not only got a peep into the western sciences and arts but some of them also acquired mastery over them. A great scientist like Raman, a great poet like Tagore, and a great philosopher like Radhakrishnan are known thoughout the world only because of their command over English.

Language of Library :- English is the key of the store-house of knowledge. Most of this knowledge is not yet available in Indian languages. It is in the context that the role of English as a library language becomes important in India. It is the only language through which maximum knowledge can be imported to students. Today English play a vital role in higher education as an important library language.

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