Rajasthan Government to Replace Urdu Words in Police Terminology with ‘Shudh Hindi’

The Rajasthan government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and the BJP, has decided to replace Urdu words commonly used in police terminology with "Shudh Hindi" (pure Hindi). This decision has sparked significant political and cultural debate, with the opposition accusing the BJP of using language as a political tool to divert attention from critical governance issues. The government, however, asserts that the move is aimed at modernizing official language and enhancing comprehension for police personnel and the public alike.

The Genesis of the Policy

The move was initiated by Minister of State for the Home Department, Jawahar Singh Bedham, who brought the matter to the attention of Rajasthan’s Deputy General of Police (DGP), U.R. Sahoo. In a letter, Bedham proposed replacing Urdu, Farsi, and Arabic terms—historically incorporated into policing vocabulary—with Hindi alternatives. He argued that such a transition aligns with modern educational trends, where Hindi is more widely taught and understood than Urdu.

Speaking to reporters in October, Bedham explained the rationale:

"During and after the Mughal era, Urdu and related languages like Farsi and Arabic found their way into administration and policing. However, after India’s independence, the country adopted Hindi as the national language and Sanskrit as an additional language in schools. Today, many young police recruits are unfamiliar with Urdu. Therefore, it is necessary to use terminology that reflects current educational and cultural realities."

Bedham stated that Hindi, being the primary language of communication in Rajasthan, should dominate police operations to ensure efficiency and accessibility.

Implementation of the Policy

The government’s directive has been formalized through a letter dated November 22, issued by DGP U.R. Sahoo to the Additional Director General of Police (ADG) for training. The letter instructs police headquarters to collect information on Urdu words currently used in police stations and identify their Hindi equivalents. It also mandates the removal of Urdu terminology from training materials and requires ongoing training sessions to familiarize officers with the new Hindi terms.

The letter reads:

"According to the desire of the state government, collect information about Urdu words used in police stations. Identify suitable Hindi alternatives and incorporate them into police training. All trainees and staff in ongoing programs must be informed about these changes. Urdu should no longer feature in training materials."

District superintendents of police (SPs) have been tasked with compiling lists of Urdu words used in their jurisdictions. Common terms under review include:

Mukadma (case)

Challan (chargesheet)

Mulzim or Mujrim (accused)

Gavaa (witness)

Thana haja (concerned police station)

Taftish (investigation)

Mushtgish (complainant)

These terms are deeply embedded in police vocabulary and are frequently used in First Information Reports (FIRs), chargesheets, and investigations.

Political Criticism and Debate

The opposition Congress has strongly criticized the move, describing it as a superficial attempt by the BJP to score political points. Congress spokesperson Swarnim Chaturvedi accused the BJP of using language as a divisive tool rather than addressing pressing governance issues.

"This decision is nothing but a stunt," Chaturvedi remarked. "These words have been part of India’s legal and administrative systems for decades. If such changes are to be made, they should be uniform across states to ensure consistency. For example, if Rajasthan adopts Hindi alternatives but states like Uttar Pradesh or Madhya Pradesh continue using Urdu-based terminology, what purpose does this serve? Moreover, why wasn’t the legal fraternity consulted?"

Chaturvedi further argued that the move could disrupt ongoing legal processes, as many legal documents and terminologies are rooted in Urdu.

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The BJP’s Defense

The BJP has defended its decision as a progressive step toward simplifying administrative language. Minister Bedham emphasized that the transition to Hindi would help police officers, particularly new recruits, perform their duties more effectively. He added that this change reflects the evolving linguistic landscape of Rajasthan, where Hindi has become more prevalent than Urdu.

"This is not about targeting any particular language or community," Bedham clarified. "It is about making our police force more efficient by using language that is widely understood. We want to ensure that every police officer, regardless of their background, can perform their duties without linguistic barriers."

The BJP has also cited similar language reforms in other states to justify its decision. Recently, the Rajasthan government renamed Hotel Khadim in Ajmer to "Hotel Ajay Meru" as part of its efforts to promote Hindi and Sanskrit nomenclature in public institutions.

Cultural and Linguistic Implications

The decision to replace Urdu words in police terminology has broader cultural and linguistic implications. Urdu, Farsi, and Arabic are not merely languages; they represent centuries of India’s shared heritage. Critics argue that sidelining these languages undermines the country’s rich linguistic diversity.

Language experts and cultural historians have warned against viewing Urdu as a "foreign" or "alien" language. They point out that Urdu has been an integral part of India’s literary and administrative history, with its influence extending far beyond the Mughal era.

On the other hand, supporters of the policy argue that prioritizing Hindi fosters a sense of national unity and strengthens India’s identity. They also highlight the practical benefits of using a language that is more accessible to the majority of the population.

Challenges in Implementation

One of the major challenges in implementing this policy is ensuring consistency across states. India’s federal structure means that police terminology varies from state to state, depending on linguistic and cultural influences. A uniform policy on official language usage in police operations is necessary to prevent confusion and inefficiencies.

Another challenge is the transition process itself. Replacing decades-old terminology requires extensive training and updates to official documents, manuals, and digital systems. Moreover, public awareness campaigns will be needed to ensure that citizens understand the new terminology.

Broader Context of Linguistic Politics

The Rajasthan government’s decision is part of a larger trend of linguistic prioritization in India. In recent years, there has been growing emphasis on promoting Hindi in public administration, education, and media. While this trend is often framed as a way to strengthen national identity, it has also led to tensions in regions where non-Hindi languages dominate.

For example, states in southern and northeastern India have resisted efforts to impose Hindi, arguing that such policies undermine their linguistic and cultural autonomy. In this context, the Rajasthan government’s decision reflects the complex interplay of language, politics, and identity in India.

Conclusion

The BJP government’s decision to replace Urdu words in police terminology with Hindi is a bold but contentious move. Proponents see it as a step toward modernization and efficiency, while critics view it as a politically motivated attempt to marginalize a language with deep historical roots.

As the debate unfolds, the success of this policy will depend on its implementation, its acceptance by the police force and the public, and its impact on inter-state coordination in law enforcement. Beyond the specifics of this case, it highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing tradition, modernization, and inclusivity in India’s diverse linguistic landscape.