In the last amendment, I wish to substitute “other languages” for the words “other major languages”. After all, who are we to say here which language is major and which language is minor? We have not adopted any motion or even an article on the various languages; nor have we stated in any schedule which language is major and which minor. If we adopt the motion as moved by Mr. Munshi to the effect that the translation will be in such major languages as the President may deem fit, suppose the translation is not done in some particular language, naturally the people of the country speaking that particular language will feel hurt that theirs is considered a minor language and therefore it has been omitted. It will have a bad psychological effect. To avoid any invidious distinction between one language and another, I wish to delete the word “‘major ” and say, that the President shall order translation in such languages as he deems fit, leaving the matter to him to decide. It is not for us to say here which is a major language and in which major language or languages the President may order translation of this Constitution. The interruptions of my friends Mr. B. Das and Mr. Chaliha also show which way the wind is blowing. They also feel hurt as to the incorporation of the word ‘major’. Suppose, for instance, Assamese is not included by the President,–I do not mean to suggest that it will be excluded,–or Oriya is excluded, they will feel that theirs is not a major language. Therefore, the best thing is to delete the word ‘major’ and say “such other languages as the President may deem fit”.
