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Mahesh

27/10/22 21:51 PM IST

New Zealand’s Plain Language Bill

In News 
  • New Zealand passed the Plain Language Act recently, which will require the country’s officials to use simple, easily understood English language in official documents and on websites.
About the Act 
  • It aims to improve the efficiency and accountability of public services by making communications clear, inclusive and easily accessible for the general public.
  • According to the bill, plain language is a language that enables the target audience to understand after reading once.
  • The Act defines plain language to be clear, concise and well-organized.
Features of the bill 
  • The law mainly seeks to benefit those who speak English as their second language, those with disabilities and less educated.
  • Its aim is to make New Zealand a more inclusive democracy by removing jargon and complex language from the country’s bureaucracy.
  • The Act mandates the appointment of plain language officers and creation of plain language guidance by the Public Service Commissioner.
  • It also requires the forming a reporting framework to assess the compliance by the government officials.
  • Under this Act, a public service agency must report its compliance to the plain language usage each year to the Public Service Commissioner. The Commissioner, in turn, must report the compliance of the agencies to the Minister of Public Service, who will then table a copy of the report to the New Zealand Parliament within 20 business days upon receiving it.
Source- The Hindu 

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