Hindi Section

Introduction

The Official Language Section of the Ministry functions under the administrative control of the Senior Economic Adviser and is responsible for implementing the provisions of the Official Languages Act, 1963 and related rules. The Section ensures the progressive use of Hindi in official work through translation, monitoring, workshops, and Hindi Pakhwada activities. The sanctioned strength of the section is five posts (1 Joint Director, 1 Assistant Director, 2 Senior Translation Officers, and 1 Junior Translation Officer); at present, a Deputy Director is working in lieu of Joint Director.

TRANSLATION WORK

The Official Language Section undertakes extensive translation work to promote the use of Hindi in official functioning. The Section ensures that important documents, circulars, reports, manuals, notifications, and correspondence are made available in both Hindi and English as per the requirements of the Official Languages Act, 1963 (as amended 1967)

Committees related to Hindi in the Ministry

Official Language Implementation Committee (OLIC) The Official Language Implementation Committee (OLIC) has been constituted under the chairmanship of senior Economic Adviser in the Ministry/Department to monitor and review the progressive use of Hindi in official work. The Committee functions as per the guidelines of the Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs.  The Committee meets quarterly, and the progress of Hindi implementation is reviewed during these meetings. The recommendations made by OLIC are implemented by the Official Language Section for effective compliance.

Hindi Salahakar Samiti   The Hindi Salahakar Samiti (Advisory Committee) is constituted to promote and encourage the progressive use of Hindi in the Ministry/Department. The Chairman of the Committee is the Hon’ble Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW). The Committee reviews the status of Hindi usage and provides recommendations to make its implementation more effective. Meetings of the Hindi Salahakar Samiti are held periodically, with participation from Hon’ble Members of Parliament, language experts, and senior officials of the Ministry/Department. The recommendations of the Committee contribute significantly to the effective implementation of Hindi.  Hindi Advisory Committee - Resolution

Inspections to assess the progressive use of Hindi

Inspections by the Committee of Parliament on Official Language   The Parliamentary Committee on Official Language was constituted under Section 4 of the Official Languages Act, 1963. The Committee periodically inspects Ministries/Departments, their attached and subordinate offices, Public Sector Undertakings, and other organizations to review the progressive use of Hindi in official work. During inspections, the Committee interacts with officers and staff, examines records and documents, and evaluates compliance with the instructions of the Government of India regarding the use of Hindi. Based on these inspections, the Committee submits recommendations/reports to the President of India, which are later laid on the table of both Houses of Parliament.

Inspections of the offices under the administrative control of the ministry   The Official Language Officials of this ministry carry out inspections of the offices under the administrative control of the ministry according to the targets fixed regarding Official Language inspections in the Annual Programme issued by Department of Official Language.

Inspection of the section of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways   The official language officials of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways periodically inspect section/department of the Ministry.  The Objective of the inspection is to assess the implementation of the Official Languages Act, 1963 and the Rules framed thereunder and to review the extent of use of Hindi in correspondence, noting, drafting, publications, and other official functions.

Various Programmes for the propagation of Hindi in the Ministry

Organization of Hindi Pakhwada (fortnight)   Every year, beginning on 14th September (Hindi Diwas), the Ministry/Department organizes Hindi Pakhwada to promote the use of Hindi in official work. On this occasion, various competitions, workshops, and cultural activities are held with the active participation of officers and staff.  The Aim is to motivate employees to work in Hindi and to develop a positive attitude and interest towards Hindi as well as to encourage the progressive use of Hindi in official work.

Organizationof Hindi workshop           Hindi workshops are regularly organized in the Ministry/Department to promote the use of Hindi and enhance the language skills of officers and staff. These workshops provide training for effective writing, correspondence, reporting, and official work in Hindi

Awards and Schemes

Quarterly Incentive Scheme               In compliance with the decision taken in the meeting of the fficial Language Implementation Committee of the Ministry held on July 20, 2021 under the chairmanship of the Economic Advisor, a Cash Award Scheme is implemented to encourage the sections/Divisions of the Ministry to do their maximum official work in Hindi. Under this scheme, on the basis of quarterly reports received from the sections/divisions in each quarter, prize money of Rs. 5000/-, Rs. 3000/- and Rs. 2000/- are awarded to the sections and divisions securing first, second and third positions respectively.

Rajbhasha Shield Scheme:-     To promote use of Hindi in the Headquaters of offices under the control of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, a Rajbhasha shield scheme is being run on annual basis is being run on annual basis, under which region wise offices are awarded with a shield and certificate. Under this Scheme, winners have been declared for the years 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19.

In-House Magazine "Nautarni"

Ministry’s in house magazine “Nautarni” is being published to promote the creative writing in Hindi among the officers and employees of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The process of publishing 7^th issue of the in house magazine is going on, which is to be publish soon.

Hindi Language, Hindi Typing and Hindi Stenography Training

On the basis of the Hindi knowledge of the officials in the ministry they are nominated for Hindi language training being organized by Hindi teaching scheme, Department of Official Language. There are four courses being offered in this scheme namely Prabodh, Praveen, Pragya and Parangat. Concerned officials are nominated for Hindi typing and Hindi stenography training also.

There is an Official Language Implementation Committee (OLIC) is constituted in the Ministry under the Chairmanship of Joint Secretary (Admin./OL). The Committee reviews the progress made in the use of Hindi in the Ministry on quarterly basis. It gives appropriate suggestions and recommends measures to be taken for the effective implementation of the Official Language Policy. During the year meetings of the Committee are held every quarter.