Amid strong protests over the Centre’s move to promote Hindi in social media, Union minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar on Saturday termed the controversy over as “unnecessary” and defended the government's steps as a means to promote different languages.
“We will work for the development of all languages. Everybody is free to speak whatever languages he or she wants,” he told reporters in Mumbai.
Mr. Javadekar who held a meeting in Mumbai with film producers and industry professionals, said his government was not working above the provisions of the Constitution.
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“Every language is as Indian as the other. The Constitution provides for the importance of each language. There is no setup for the prominence of one language over another," he said.
Mr. Javadekar also sought to justify the hike in Railway fares and freight charges calling it a move to provide people a better rail infrastructure.
“The Railway infrastructure is in shambles. People’s demand has been better facility and security in the Railways. Our decision is only a step in that direction to provide people security and better facilities. If the Railways is not safe, transport will be hampered."
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