Parliamentary panel reviews Hindi usage in Deoghar banks (Img: Dynamite News)
Deoghar: Hindi signboards are displayed in bank branches, forms are available in Hindi and notices are written in the language. But can customers also conduct their banking business comfortably in Hindi? When customers explain a problem in their own language, are they able to get a solution in that language?
Against this backdrop, the Third Sub-Committee of the Parliamentary Committee on Official Language held an inspection and review programme in Deoghar on Friday. The two-day exercise is examining the use of Hindi in banks and compliance with official language rules.
The programme, coordinated by Indian Bank’s Zonal Office in Deoghar, brought together officials from various banks and representatives of the corporate sector. It was led by Shrirang Appa Chandu Barne, Lok Sabha MP from Maval in Maharashtra and convener of the committee’s Third Sub-Committee. MPs from six states were also reported to be participating.
Discussions on the use of Hindi in government offices often focus on correspondence, notices and prescribed forms. However, the actual implementation of a language policy also depends on how widely the language is used in everyday work.
This is particularly relevant in banking, where pensioners, farmers, small business owners and ordinary account holders regularly depend on banking services. They need to understand essential information, explain their problems and access services without facing language barriers.
The Parliamentary Committee’s inspection process reviews the use of Hindi in the institutions concerned, compliance with official language provisions and difficulties encountered in their implementation. The Deoghar programme therefore goes beyond checking whether documents are available in Hindi and also raises questions about its use in routine banking operations.
Deoghar has a distinct religious and cultural identity and is part of the Santhal Pargana region, where the linguistic and cultural traditions of tribal communities remain an important part of local life. Santhali and other regional languages have particular significance in the area.
Alongside the promotion of Hindi as the official language, the need to raise awareness of local languages and dialects is also relevant. The language used to communicate information about government schemes and banking services can influence how well people understand them and engage with institutions.
Dynamite News asked Barne what guidelines had been issued to promote awareness of Santhali and other regional languages in Deoghar and the tribal-dominated Santhal Pargana region.
In response, he stressed the importance of respecting languages and raising awareness about them. He emphasised that effective use of official language Hindi should go hand in hand with recognising local languages and dialects. Providing information about government schemes and banking services in languages that people understand can help improve awareness, while encouraging respect for Santhali and other regional languages may strengthen local communities’ engagement with institutions.
Representatives from various banks and related institutions, including the State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and Indian Bank, took part in the programme.
During such inspections, key areas of review include official correspondence, the use of Hindi in daily operations, staff training and progress towards prescribed official language targets. The committee’s review is intended to assess how institutions are implementing the relevant provisions and identify areas where improvements may be needed.
The final findings of the Deoghar review and any concrete measures to be taken by the institutions concerned are expected to become clear through subsequent proceedings.
The inspection programme is scheduled to run for two days, with MPs from six states reported to be participating. Discussions are focused on reviewing official language practices across institutions and examining issues related to the effective use of Hindi.
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The Parliamentary Committee on Official Language reviews progress in the use of Hindi in official work. Such inspections are significant in assessing ground realities, identifying implementation challenges and determining what further steps may be required.
Shrirang Appa Chandu Barne, Lok Sabha MP from Maval in Maharashtra, is the convener of the Third Sub-Committee of the Parliamentary Committee on Official Language. In Deoghar, he is leading the inspection and review process concerning the implementation of official language provisions.
summary
The Parliamentary Committee on Official Language began a two-day inspection in Deoghar to review Hindi usage in banks, compliance with official language rules and awareness of regional languages.
Keywords: Parliamentary Committee on Official Language, Deoghar, Shrirang Appa Barne, Hindi in banks, Indian Bank, Santhali language, Santhal Pargana, official language policy
caption: Parliamentary panel reviews Hindi usage in Deoghar banks
