Among the following Indian States, which one has English as its sole official language at the State level?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Nagaland

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
India is a highly multilingual country, and each State has the power to adopt its own official language or languages for administration. This question asks you to identify the State among the given options where English is the sole official language at the State level. Such questions test both your knowledge of linguistic diversity and your understanding of how Indian States choose their official languages.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The options provided are Nagaland, Tripura, Assam, and Manipur.
  • The question seeks the State whose official language is English.
  • We focus on official language declared by the State for its own administrative purposes, not on widely spoken local languages.
  • We assume the current well-known constitutional and statutory arrangements regarding official languages.


Concept / Approach:
Most Indian States adopt one or more regional languages as official languages, sometimes alongside English. For example, Assam uses Assamese, Tripura uses Bengali and Kokborok, and Manipur uses Meitei (Manipuri) and English. However, Nagaland is unique in that English is recognised as the sole official language of the State. The various Naga tribal languages are widely spoken in daily life, but for official state-level functions, English is used as the primary medium.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Nagaland, located in the North-Eastern region of India, has multiple tribal languages and uses English for administrative purposes.Step 2: Note that Assam treats Assamese as its main official language, with additional provisions for other languages in certain areas.Step 3: Remember that Tripura has Bengali and Kokborok as official languages, with English used as a link language but not as the sole official language.Step 4: Manipur recognises Meitei (Manipuri) as its main official language, though English is also used.Step 5: Compare the options and recognise that only Nagaland lists English as its sole official language at the State level.


Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by recalling the language policies of the North-Eastern States. Standard GK references and government documents highlight that Nagaland uses English officially because there is no single dominant local language among the many Naga tribes. In contrast, Assam is strongly associated with Assamese, Tripura with Bengali and Kokborok, and Manipur with Meitei. Furthermore, multiple competitive exam questions over the years have consistently given "Nagaland" as the correct answer when asked which State has English as its official language.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Tripura: Bengali and Kokborok are the primary official languages of Tripura; English may be used for certain purposes but is not the sole official language.
  • Assam: Assamese is the principal official language of Assam; English is used as an associate language but not as the only official language.
  • Manipur: Meitei (Manipuri) is the main official language. English is used, especially in higher administration and education, but the State also officially recognises Manipuri.


Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes assume that any North-Eastern State might use English officially and thus treat all options as equally likely. Another common error is to think that because English is widely used in education and courts, it must be an official language in the same sense everywhere. However, the exam is asking specifically for the State where English is formally the only official language at the State level, which is a special feature of Nagaland. Remembering this unique characteristic helps you avoid confusion.



Final Answer:
Among the given States, the one that has English as its sole official language is Nagaland.

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