A controversy over language has erupted in Amritsar, Punjab, mirroring similar debates heard in other Indian states. The incident involves a central government employee at the city's General Post Office (GPO) who was allegedly pressured to converse in Punjabi instead of Hindi.
What Happened at Amritsar GPO?
According to reports, a postal assistant originally from Delhi and posted at the Amritsar GPO found himself at the center of a linguistic dispute. A local youth visiting the post office reportedly objected to the official using Hindi for communication. The youth allegedly insisted that the employee should speak in Punjabi, the dominant regional language.
The incident quickly gained attention, sparking a wider discussion about the language expectations placed on government employees working in regions with strong local linguistic identities. This debate is particularly sensitive for central government departments, where staff are often posted across the country.
Political Reaction and Legal Demands
The matter was swiftly taken up by the Amritpal Singh-led Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) party. Party leader Sukhchain Singh, citing the Punjab Learning of Punjabi and Other Languages Act, 2008, claimed the postal assistant's refusal to speak Punjabi violated this state law.
The party submitted a formal memorandum to the local deputy commissioner. In it, they demanded strict enforcement of the Act's provisions across all central government departments operating in Punjab.
Shamsher Singh Padhri, the party's office secretary who accompanied Sukhchain, outlined their demands clearly. The Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) seeks a mandate that all central government officials who interact with the public must be able to speak Punjabi. Furthermore, they have called for the addition of Punjabi language to all signage and information boards in central government offices within the state.
Official Response and Broader Implications
Senior Superintendent of the GPO, Praveen Prasoon, acknowledged the incident had occurred. He stated, "We are submitting a report to our higher authorities," indicating the matter is under official review.
This event in Amritsar highlights a recurring tension in India's multilingual landscape. It raises critical questions about balancing the operational convenience of a pan-India language like Hindi with the legal and cultural imperatives of promoting and using official state languages. The outcome of this specific case could set a precedent for how similar situations are handled in Punjab and other states with strong regional language policies.
