Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon today stressed the need to take steps both at individual and collective level for the promotion of Urdu language in the state.The Divisional Commissioner was chairing a meeting with members of Jammu and Kashmir Urdu Council, an amalgam of different literary and social organizations working for promotion and development of official language in the state.Deputy Commissioners from Kashmir division also participated in the meet via video conferencing. The meeting was convened to discuss measures to be taken to promote the use of Urdu language in the state.Dr Samoon said that the state has wide array of resources in the shape of universities, schools and colleges, where Urdu language is being taught. “Now we need to abreast their knowledge with latest software, info graphics and other skills so that Urdu becomes lucrative for them in terms of jobs and enjoyable in day to day use,” he said.
The Divisional Commissioner said Urdu is a global language with its speakers found in countries like Canada and USA too. He asked the schools to take lead in promoting Urdu by issuing forms and placing signboards in Urdu. He also asked the Board of School Education to devise a simple Urdu syllabus, which will make the subject interesting for students. He suggested to Board and University authorities to start issuing bilingual marks certificates.Dr. Samoon directed the representative of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) to develop a webpage where activities related to Urdu language like workshops, poetry recitations, recommendations, activities are constantly uploaded.The representative of Traders and Shopkeepers pledged that they will ensure use of signboards and bill books in Urdu language too.
Representatives of Urdu print media said that out of 654 newspapers, 327 are published in Urdu. Dr. Samoon asked the educational institutes to subscribe atleast one Urdu Newspaper and magazine for students to read.The Deputy Commissioners said that number of orders are being published in Urdu language. Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Muneer ul Islam, said that 450 orders were issued in Urdu language from his office, which was applauded by the people. The representatives of J&K Bank said that they have already made Urdu operating system operational in ATMs.The meeting was also attended by representatives of various universities, Joint Director of Information ,Joint Coordination Committee of Schools and members of civil society.