`It is true that the banking business is our foremost duty, but any type of business needs a language for communication. Incidentally, most of our functions are done in English for certain reasons, although the work of the people ought to be done in their own language. This is an integral part of customer service. There have been lots of efforts in this direction at various levels, but a lot is yet to be done at the highest level.' This was stated by Dr. Bimal Jalan, Governor of Reserve Bank of India while addressing the representatives of public sector banks and financial institutions as chief guest. He was distributing prizes at the function of the Reserve Bank Rajbhasha Shield, Bilingual and Hindi House Journals and Inter-Bank Hindi Essay Competition held here today.

Governor, Dr.Jalan further said that as per the Government's orders, the review of the Official Language Hindi should not be kept limited to its meetings only but the progress of Hindi should be discussed at all the meetings of the Administrative heads and it should be included as an agenda item for all such meetings on a regular basis. He expressed the belief that the banks would come forward to increase the use of Hindi as official language and also inspire others to do so.

Deputy Governor, Shri Vepa Kamesam presided over the function. Senior executives of the public sector banks and financial institutions as also senior executives and officers of the Reserve Bank were also present. Prizes were also awarded to the winners of inter-bank Hindi essay competition.

Shri Vepa Kamesam stated that 'the language of the Government and the language of the public should be one and the same. The Government work should be done in the language easily understood by the public.' He was of the view that the Hindi is understood by the masses throughout the country. Hindi is not the language of any particular state. He appealed to adhere to the Government's policy in this regard and try their best to achieve the targets.

Earlier, Shri S.L.Parmar, Reserve Bank of India, welcomed the Governor, Deputy Governor and representatives of banks and other financial institutions.

Shri G.K.Sharma, Chief General Manager, Department of Administration and Personnel proposed a vote of thanks. Dr. Shriniwas Dwivedi, General manager (Officer-in-Charge), Rajbhasha Department, Reserve Bank of India conducted the programme.

Results of Reserve Bank Rajbhasha Shield Competition 1999-2000