The Southern Railway, headquartered in Chennai, has rolled out a special initiative asking officers to use Hindi extensively in their official work. The circular, issued by Deputy General Manager (Official Language) Suresh Chandra, directed staff to employ Hindi in dictations, approvals, inspection notes, and even at ticket counters. Progress will be closely reviewed, with reports due by September 19.
Official Justification
A spokesperson for Southern Railway described the order as a “routine circular,” aligning with the Union government’s annual language program for 2025–26, which emphasizes expanding the use of Hindi in government offices. Officials insisted the move was aimed at fulfilling policy requirements rather than creating language barriers.
Tamil Nadu’s Resistance to Hindi Imposition
In Tamil Nadu, however, the circular has reignited strong opposition. Political parties, led by the ruling DMK, have consistently resisted what they call “Hindi imposition.” They argue that directives like these undermine Tamil and English, which have long been used for administration and public communication in the state.
Concerns Over Impact on Staff and Public
Southern Railway employs nearly 90,000 people across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala. Many employees and commuters rely on Tamil or English for daily interactions. Critics say enforcing Hindi could disadvantage non-Hindi speaking staff and inconvenience passengers, particularly in public-facing roles such as ticket counters.
A Brewing Political Flashpoint
The directive comes against the backdrop of growing accusations that Southern Railway favors hiring employees from northern states and increasingly uses Hindi in official communication. Opposition groups see the circular as an attempt to formalize these trends, heightening tensions between the Centre and Tamil Nadu.
What Lies Ahead
With Tamil Nadu’s political and civil society groups expected to resist the move strongly, Southern Railway’s circular could become the latest flashpoint in the state’s decades-long struggle against Hindi imposition. The issue once again underscores the delicate balance between India’s language policies and regional cultural pride.
