UP Assembly to allow regional dialects in proceedings
What's the story
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a new policy allowing regional dialects to be used in the assembly.
The dialects include Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Bundeli, and Braj. The move is aimed at promoting linguistic diversity and inclusivity in the legislature.
"Different dialects of the state—Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Braj, and Bundelkhandi—are gaining recognition in this House," Adityanath said in the Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly.
Translation facility
Live translations to ensure linguistic inclusivity
Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana confirmed that proceedings would be translated into these dialects and English.
Members can select their preferred language channel at their seats to listen to live translations.
The house will provide translations from Hindi to these dialects and vice versa.
"This is the first time that such a facility has been introduced in any state legislature," Mahana stated.
Opposition criticism
Adityanath criticizes opposition's stance on language policy
Adityanath also slammed the opposition Samajwadi Party for opposing state-beneficial initiatives.
He called them hypocrites for sending children to English medium schools but opposing support for regional languages.
"If someone cannot speak fluently in Hindi, they should have the right to present their views in Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Braj, or Bundelkhandi," he added.
"This is the problem with you people, you (Samajwadi Party) will oppose every good work which is in the interest of the state," he said.
Language debate
Concerns raised over potential impact on Hindi
Despite the new policy's objective to promote linguistic diversity, it has raised concerns among some legislators.
Senior Samajwadi Party leader Mata Prasad Pandey feared that quoting other languages might reduce Hindi's prominence in the assembly.
However, Mahana clarified that the official language of the house continues to be Hindi, and members quoting English are still expected to provide Hindi translations.
An amendment to house rules will be required to facilitate this new translation facility.