Bihar to Appoint 2,000 Urdu Translators to Strengthen Second Official Language Status

Bihar has announced a major initiative to strengthen Urdu as its second official language by appointing at least 2,000 translators across government departments. The recruitment, to be conducted through the Staff Selection Commission, will integrate Urdu into administrative processes from the secretariat to block level.

Director Perwez Alam of the state Urdu Directorate emphasized that translators already play crucial roles in disaster management and welfare schemes. Selected candidates will receive comprehensive training before deployment to handle official documentation and communication efficiently.

The government is also reviving the *Jashn-e-Urdu* festival after an eight-year hiatus, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's approval. The cultural program will showcase Urdu literature, poetry, and arts.

Bihar remains the only Indian state with an independent directorate dedicated to Urdu promotion. During an interactive session in Gaya, participants including retired IPS officer MA Kazmi advocated for translating quality material into Urdu to enrich the literary landscape and make knowledge more accessible to Urdu-speaking populations.