 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 27: A delegation of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Jammu Chapter, led by its Chairman Rahul Sahai, met the Hon'ble Convenor of the Parliamentary Committee on Official Languages, Ujjwal Raman Singh, along with Member of Parliament Dr Anil Sukhdevrao Bonde, Member of Parliament Kuldeep Indora, and Manoj Kumar, Hindi Adhikari, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, during their visit to Jammu and submitted a detailed representation highlighting the need for stronger promotion of Hindi/Dogri in Jammu & Kashmir. The Parliamentary Committee on Official Languages works under the overall leadership and supervision of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Welcoming the parliamentary delegation, Rahul Sahai apprised them about ICC's century-old legacy as a premier industry body committed not only to economic growth and policy advocacy but also to socio-cultural development. He emphasized that language plays a vital role in inclusive governance, national integration, and public participation, and that Hindi/Dogri holds deep cultural and social relevance in the Jammu region. During the interaction, the ICC delegation strongly advocated that land records in Jammu & Kashmir should also be drafted in Hindi/Dogri along with Urdu and English to ensure greater accessibility and convenience for the general public. The delegation proposed the establishment of a dedicated University Chair for Hindi/Dogri in major universities of J&K with adequate grants, and recommended that enhanced funding support be sought from the UGC for sustained academic development. Rahul Sahai further stressed before the parliamentary delegation the need for structured financial support to Hindi/Dogri NGOs, cultural organizations, and literary clubs. He suggested that the Ministry/Department of Culture, Government of J&K, should earmark and enhance specific funds for the promotion of Hindi/Dogri. The delegation also recommended that Hindi Diwas be celebrated with greater enthusiasm across the Union Territory, particularly in Jammu, and that individuals contributing significantly to Hindi/Dogri language and literature be formally recognized and awarded. Highlighting the literary culture of the region, the ICC delegation noted that Hindi/Dogri Kavi Sammelans are being organized and appreciated but require stronger institutional backing, regular scheduling, and broader outreach. It was also suggested that such Hindi/Dogri literary events be broadcast on Doordarshan and regional news channels, and that private FM and radio channels be encouraged to increase Hindi/Dogri programming content. The delegation emphasized that Hindi/Dogri has strong social acceptance and potential in districts such as Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Akhnoor, Kishtwar, Doda, Poonch, and Rajouri. They also suggested involving the Kashmiri Pandit community, known for its rich educational and literary heritage, in promoting Hindi/Dogri in the Kashmir region.
Further, ICC recommended that key government documents such as car registration certificates, mark sheets, and other public records be issued in Hindi/Dogri in addition to existing languages. Smart City signboards and names of government buildings should prominently display Hindi/Dogri, ensuring bilingual visibility in public infrastructure and institutions. |
