Over 90% in Hindi-belt states speak only one language, rest of India is more bilingual: Data

Tamil Nadu-Centre language debate reignites over SSA funds; data shows English preferred over Hindi in non-Hindi-belt States.

The latest exchanges between Tamil Nadu and the Centre over Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds have reignited the long-standing language debate. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has reaffirmed the State’s opposition to Hindi imposition and reiterated its commitment to the two-language policy.

Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has dismissed allegations of Hindi imposition, defending the policy’s intent. “Tamil is one of the oldest languages of our civilisation. But what is wrong if a student in Tamil Nadu will learn multilingual aspects in education? It can be Tamil, English and other Indian languages. There is no imposition of Hindi or any other language on them. Some friends in Tamil Nadu are doing politics,” he had said in February. 

If we strip away the details, the core tension once again revolves around a question that has long gripped non-Hindi belt states — especially those in the South — whether implementing the three-language formula indirectly imposes Hindi. An equally important question arises—regardless of whether the three-language formula amounts to an imposition—does data on development indices make a stronger case for English as the link language over Hindi?

Put differently, should native Hindi speakers be encouraged to learn English for broader access and mobility, or should non-Hindi speakers be asked to learn Hindi, for their supposed “benefit”? Data offers valuable insights into the underlying dynamics.

Multilingualism among States

First, data indicates that non-Hindi speakers are generally more open to learning new languages, whereas Hindi speakers exhibit lower multilingualism. Charts 1 and 2, based on data from the 1991 and 2011 Language Census, illustrate this contrast. Chart 1 presents the share of monolinguals—individuals who speak only their native language (first language/mother tongue)—across select States. Chart 2 presents the proportion of bi/trilinguals—those who speak more than one language—among native language speakers in the same States.

Chart 1 | The chart presents the share of monolinguals-individuals who speak only their native language (first language/mother tongue)-across select States.