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COMMISSION FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL TERMINOLOGY

12th September, 2024 POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

COMMISSION FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL TERMINOLOGY

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Picture Courtesy:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/govt-launches-website-with-technical-terms-in-22-official-indian-languages/article68626197.ece

Context:

The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) under the Union Education Ministry has launched a website to list technical words.

Details

  • The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) has launched 'shabd.education.gov.in' to standardise and promote technical words in 22 official languages under the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. 
      • The initiative is sponsored by the Union Education Ministry.
  • The initiative aims to make technical language more accessible and uniform across languages to standardise and promote technical vocabulary.
  • The portal includes a feedback mechanism that allows users to submit input on current terminology.
  • The initiative promotes cultural and linguistic inclusivity by offering standardised words in all official Indian languages.

About the Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT)

  • It was established in 1961 by the Ministry of Education (earlier the Ministry of Human Resource and Development).
  • It was established by the Presidential Order under Article 344 of the Indian Constitution, which promotes the use of Hindi and other languages. 
  • Its objective is to ensure that scientific and technological communication takes place in a variety of Indian languages and enhances linguistic diversity.
  • It publishes glossaries, dictionaries, and encyclopaedias in Hindi and other Indian languages, serving as tools for educators and students.
  • It publishes quarterly journals like 'Vigyan Garima Sindhu' and 'Gyan Garima Sindhu' to provide standardised terms updates.

National Translation Mission (NTM) 

  • It was launched in 2008 on the recommendation of the National Knowledge Commission.
  • It aims to make knowledge materials available in all 22 languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through translation. 

Must Read Articles: 

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

Source: 

The Hindu

Department of Higher Education

India Education

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements:

1. The Indian Constitution permits states to create their own official languages through legislation.

2. The languages included in the Eighth Schedule are automatically designated as the official languages of each state.

3. The Governor of a state may allow the use of a language not included in the Eighth Schedule for official purposes inside the state.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A) Only one

B) Only two

C) All three

D) None

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: 

Article 345 of the Indian Constitution allows states to establish their own official languages through legislation.

Statement 2 is incorrect: 

The Eighth Schedule languages do not automatically become official languages for each state; states have the power to designate their own official languages, which may or may not include these specified languages.

Statement 3 is correct: 

The Constitution allows the Governor of a state to permit the use of a language not listed in the Eighth Schedule for official purposes within that state.