In a bid to strengthen linguistic inclusivity, the Bihar government has introduced a 70-day online Urdu certification course for its employees, aiming to bridge the communication gap in administration.

  • 70-day online Urdu certification course launched for state government employees.
  • Classes scheduled from October 13, running Monday to Thursday (1 PM to 3 PM).
  • Bihar was the first state in India to declare Urdu as its second official language in 1981.
  • Complementary to the recent announcement of 2,000 Urdu translator posts via BSSC.

The Government of Bihar has initiated a strategic push to promote Urdu, the state's second official language, among its administrative workforce. Through a directive issued by SM Parvez Alam, Additional Secretary-cum-Director of the Cabinet Secretariat Department, the state is offering a specialized online certification course designed for non-Urdu speaking officers and employees.

Starting October 13, the course will span 70 days, excluding public holidays. The structured curriculum involves two-hour sessions from 01:00 pm to 03:00 pm, four days a week. To ensure quality and accountability, the program will culminate in an examination, with successful candidates receiving an official Urdu Learning Certificate.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this initiative is more than just a language class; it is a move toward 'inclusive governance.' With a Muslim population of approximately 17 percent, enabling government officials to read and write Urdu ensures that a significant portion of the citizenry can interact with the state in their preferred official language, thereby reducing dependency on intermediaries.

"Language proficiency in administration is a catalyst for social integration and efficient public service delivery."

Minority Welfare Minister Zama Khan emphasized that the state is committed to providing a 'level playing field' for all communities. This educational push is integrated into a larger strategy that includes the appointment of 2,000 Urdu translators through the Bihar Staff Selection Commission (BSSC), ensuring that official documentation remains bilingual and accessible.

Historically, Bihar has been a pioneer in linguistic recognition, becoming the first state in India to grant Urdu official status in 1981. Since then, all district gazettes and government notifications have been issued in both Hindi and Urdu. However, the shift to an online format marks a significant evolution from the limited residential programs of the past.

Feature Previous Training (2018-19) Current Initiative (2026)
Delivery Mode Residential Online
Duration 60 Days 70 Days
Scale Limited Batch State-wide Accessibility
Did You Know?: Bihar holds the distinction of being the first Indian state to recognize Urdu as a second official language, a move made back in 1981.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who is eligible for this Urdu certification course?
A: The course is open to all non-Urdu speaking officers and employees working across various departments and regional offices of the Bihar State Government.

Q2: How will the certification process work?
A: After completing the 70-day training, candidates must pass a final examination to be awarded the Urdu Learning Certificate.