Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Chandigarh
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question tests knowledge of official languages in various Indian union territories. India has a complex language policy with multiple scheduled languages at the national level and different official language arrangements in states and union territories. In some areas, English is explicitly recognised as an official language for administration. The question asks which one among the listed union territories is officially associated with English in this manner.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Chandigarh is a union territory where English is a key official language, particularly for administration and higher level communication. While several territories use multiple languages in practice, certain exam oriented references clearly highlight Chandigarh as the answer to the question of which union territory has English as its official language. The approach is to recall the standard exam key rather than to debate the broader sociolinguistic reality.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Review the list of union territories given in the options.
Step 2: Recall that Chandigarh is administered as a union territory and serves as a capital for nearby states.
Step 3: Remember from polity and language policy notes that Chandigarh is commonly cited as a union territory where English is an official language.
Step 4: Compare this with other territories such as Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, where regional languages like Gujarati and Marathi are emphasised.
Step 5: Select Chandigarh as the correct answer based on standard examination references.
Verification / Alternative check:
Exam preparation material for competitive exams in India, especially for staff selection and civil services, often directly states that English is an official language of Chandigarh. For instance, solutions to previous year papers of staff selection examinations highlight Chandigarh as the correct answer to exactly this question. Official documents also indicate heavy use of English in the union territory administration. In contrast, reference material for Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu stresses Gujarati, Marathi, and Hindi, while Delhi is known for Hindi along with other languages but is not usually given as the answer in this particular multiple choice format.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Dadra and Nagar Haveli: This territory recognises languages like Gujarati and Marathi along with Hindi, and examination keys do not list it as the direct answer to this specific question.
Daman and Diu: Regional languages and Gujarati have prominence here, and it is not typically classified in exam questions as the union territory where English is the official language in the way asked here.
National Capital Territory of Delhi: Delhi uses Hindi widely in its official business, and while English may be used, the exam oriented answer for this question is Chandigarh, not Delhi.
Puducherry: Puducherry has its own set of official languages including Tamil and French heritage influences, but it is not the expected answer in this specific question.
Common Pitfalls:
Because English is widely used in administration throughout India, candidates may think that any union territory can be marked as correct. Another common error is to over analyse the linguistic reality instead of following the standard exam key. Some students may also recall that Delhi and Puducherry have multilingual environments and incorrectly select them. To avoid these issues, it helps to memorise the exact pairings that are frequently tested, such as English and Chandigarh for this question.
Final Answer:
Among the given options, the union territory where English is recognised as an official language for this examination context is Chandigarh.
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