To be notified under Rule 10(4) of Official Languages Rules, 1976

## Report on Notification Regarding Use of Official Languages **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification (S.O. 5925E) issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on December 12, 2022, pertaining to the implementation of the Official Languages Rules, 1976, as amended. The notification identifies two specific offices under the Ministry's administrative control – the Botanical Survey of India, Deccan Regional Center, Hyderabad, and the Integrated Regional Office, Bhopal – where 80 or more officials have acquired working knowledge of Hindi. This designation likely aims to facilitate the increased use of Hindi in official work within these offices. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of the notification S.O. 5925E, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on December 12, 2022. The analysis is based solely on the provided text. **3. Policy Overview:** * This notification relates to the Official Languages Use for official purposes of the Union Rules, 1976, as amended in 1987, 2007, and 2011. It represents an action *within* the framework established by those existing rules. * **Core Objective:** Based on the provided text, the core objective is to identify and formally recognize offices under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change where a significant number of officials possess working knowledge of Hindi, thereby enabling greater use of Hindi in official operations within those offices. **4. Background and Rationale:** This notification serves to implement existing language policy, rather than introduce an entirely new policy. The notification indicates the fulfillment of requirements stated in Sub-Rule 4 of Rule 10 of the Official Languages Rules. By identifying offices with a sufficient number of Hindi-proficient employees, the government likely aims to promote and increase the use of Hindi in official communications and documentation within those specific offices. The notification is a step in the process of achieving broader implementation of the Official Languages Rules. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This document represents an action taken *within* the broader Official Languages Rules framework, meaning it is *not* a change to the rules themselves but a specific implementation step. * The notification *designates* the following offices as meeting the criteria for having 80 or more officials with working knowledge of Hindi: * Botanical Survey of India, Deccan Regional Center, Hyderabad - 500095 * Integrated Regional Office, Kendriya Paryavaran Bhavan, Link Road No. 3, E5, Ravi Shankar Nagar, Bhopal - 462016 M.P. * The effect of this designation is likely to trigger requirements and expectations regarding the use of Hindi in official work within these two offices, based on the pre-existing Official Languages Rules and guidelines. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * The officials and staff of the Botanical Survey of India, Deccan Regional Center, Hyderabad. * The officials and staff of the Integrated Regional Office, Bhopal. * The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. * Potentially, any individuals or organizations that interact with these offices, as they may experience an increase in the use of Hindi in communications and documentation. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency:** The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is responsible for issuing the notification and overseeing its implications. The Department of Official Language is responsible for the Official Languages Rules. * **Procedures:** The notification is issued "In pursuance of Sub-Rule 4 of Rule 10 of the Official Languages Use for official purposes of the Union Rules, 1976 As Amended, 1987, 2007 and 2011," suggesting a pre-existing procedure for identifying and notifying such offices. * The Joint Secretary (Jt. Secy.) RA.BHA.KA. SATYAJIT MISHRA is responsible for the notification * Further actions will be dictated by the Official Languages Rules, but may include increasing the proportion of work done in Hindi, providing training to staff, and ensuring Hindi is used in communications. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome is to increase the use of Hindi in official work within the Botanical Survey of India, Deccan Regional Center, Hyderabad, and the Integrated Regional Office, Bhopal. This may lead to: * Increased use of Hindi in internal communications and documentation. * Increased use of Hindi in external communications with the public and other organizations (where appropriate). * Greater emphasis on Hindi proficiency among staff in these offices. **9. Conclusion:** The notification S.O. 5925E signifies a step towards increased implementation of the Official Languages Rules within specific offices under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. By formally recognizing these offices as having sufficient Hindi-speaking staff, the notification likely aims to promote and facilitate the greater use of Hindi in their day-to-day operations. This supports the broader objective of promoting the use of Hindi in government affairs.

Key Entities Referenced