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OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ACT, 1963 OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ACT, 1963 STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS "The Committee constituted under Cl.
(4) of Article 344 of the Constitution to examine the recommendations of the Commission constituted under clause ( 1 ) thereof expressed the opinion that the complete change-over to Hindi by 26th January 1965 was not practicable and that the provision should be made in pursuance of clause (3) of Art. 343 of the Constitution for the continued use of English ever after 1965 for purposes to be specified by Parliament by law for as long as may be necessary. During the debate on the Report of the Committee, the Prime Minister made a speech on the 4 th September, 1959 indicating broadly the approach of the Government to the official language question. After considering the Report of the Committee, the President issued directions on the 27th April, 1960 in the exercise of powers conferred on him by clause (6) of Article 344in which a reference, was made to the speech of the Prime Minister. In order to give effect to the policy of the Government as indicated by the Prime Minister it is proposed to provide for the continued use of the English language, in addition to Hindi, for official purposes of the Union and for the transaction of business in Parliament after the 26th January, 1965. 2. The Bill also seeks to make provision by law for certain other matters covered by the Presidential order, namely, (a) authorised Hindi translation of Central Acts, Ordinances and other statutory instruments and Bills or amendments to be introduced or moved in Parliament;
(b) publication of a Hindi translation of State Acts and Ordinances; and (c) for the use optionally, of Hindi and, other official languages of States for purposes of judgments, decrees and orders of High Courts with the previous consent of the President."-Gazette of India, 13 -4-1963, Part II, s. 2, Extra, p. 302, Amending Act 1 of 1968: "The Official Languages Act was enacted in May, 1963.Section 3of the Act provides for continued use of the English language in addition to Hindi, for all the official purposes of the Union for which it was being used immediately before the 26th January, 1965. It is, however, considered necessary to give statutory recognition to assurances of the late Prime Minister regarding the continued use of the English language as long as the non -Hindi- speaking people did not desire a change. It is also proposed to provide for the obligatory use of English language in addition to Hindi in certain cases." -Gaz. of India, 27-11-1967, Pt. II, Sec. 2, Extra, page 1166. An Act to provide for the languages which may be used for the official purposes of the Union, for transaction of business in Parliament, for Central and State Acts and for certain purposes in High Courts. Be it enacted by Parliament in the fourteenth year of the Republic of India as follows:-
1) This Act may be called The Official Languages Act, 1963. (2)Section 3shall come into force on the 26th day of January, 1965 and the remaining provisions of this Act shall come into force on such date 2 as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint and different dates may be appointed for different provisions of this Act.