Urdu as Second Official Language in Telangana

Hyderabad, March 10 (INN): Finance Minister Etala Rajender has assured the Legislative Council on Tuesday that the State Government would take all steps to implement Urdu as the second official language across Telangana State.

Replying to a question raised by Congress MLC Mohammed Ali Shabbir during Question Hour, Etala informed that Urdu was declared as the second official language in 15 districts of undivided Andhra Pradesh vice AP Official Languages (Amendment) Act, 2007. Out of 10 districts of Telangana, nine districts (except Khammam), have been covered in the said act. The proposal to adopt the provision of above Act is under active consideration. On adoption of the above Act and formation of Official Language Commission, necessary instructions will be issued to the concerned to take action for implementation of Urdu as second official language in the state of Telangana, he said.

Etala pointed out the several GOs were passed in 1966, 1988 and 1999 for implementation of Urdu as the second official language. But they were not properly implemented. He said as per GO Ms 545, the District Collectors and Heads of the Departments were directed to recruit Urdu typists and Senior Assistants in their offices. Similarly, several announcements were made in 2007 for the implementation of Urdu language. However, no practical steps were taken to implement the same. He claimed that after Marri Chenna Reddy, K Chandrashekar Rao is the only Chief Minister who is serious about promotion of Urdu language. He said all steps would be taken to ensure that Urdu is implemented as the second official language.

Speaking on the issue, Shabbir said, irrespective of party-in-power, no government was serious in implementing Urdu as the second official language. He said that the TRS Government should change good precedent by implementing the Urdu language from the Chief Minister's Office. He said if the Chief Minister starts sending press notes in Urdu, then all other departments would follow the suit. He also urged the government to direct the Information and Public Relations Department to issue all advertisements in Urdu languages. Instructions should also be issued to appoint Urdu translators and other staff in Assembly and State Secretariat. He said Urdu sign boards should also be made compulsory. He alleged that complaints in Urdu language were not being accepted in Police Stations and other government offices. He said for complaints in Urdu language, the replies too should be sent in Urdu language.

Intervening on the issue, Deputy Chief Minister Mohd Mahmood Ali claimed that the government was not finding qualified Urdu translators.

Later, Etala assured that Urdu would be implemented as the second official language across the Telangana State.