Sebi to push use of Hindi;will empanel translators

To promote use of Hindi and reach out to investors conversant in this language, capital markets regulator Sebi has enhanced focus on its use and will soon empanel professionals for translation of its various documents into this language.

The move is part of Sebi's efforts to ensure compliance with the central government's official language policy.

In a notice, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) said that it "intends to empanel professionals for translation of various documents of general, legal and technical nature from English to Hindi and vice versa".

Various Sebi officers, especially, in the Hindi speaking regions of the country, have begun mentioning in their orders and letters that they prefer communication in this language (raj bhasha).

Accordingly, the regulator has invited applications from professionals who are competent and proficient in both English and Hindi languages as well as familiar with the capital market terminology and concepts.

These professional would be expected to provide perfect translation within the prescribed timeline.

They would be required to translate from English to Hindi and vice-versa of various general, legal and technical references, documents, manuals, among others.

The translated documents would have to typed, vetted and authenticated by these professionals. Such documents would have to be provided in soft form and hard copy, as required.

Asking interested candidates to submit their applications by October 31, the market regulator said it is "desirous of empanelling these professionals only on payment basis as per approved rates".

Sebi has been taking various measures to promote Hindi such as issuing notifications, registration certificates to various market participants in the language, workshops for newly recruited officials and giving incentives to its staff for using the language.

The market watchdog has also been displaying one phrase, as generally used in Hindi notings, and one Hindi quote daily through its portal for staff members as well as holding competitions to promote the language amongst them.