Translation of Party Literature

Summary

In this letter dated 21 April 1965, Swatantra Party General Secretary M. R. Masani sets out a plan for translating and distributing party literature in regional languages. The proposal distinguishes between short, topical two-page leaflets for broad public circulation and longer booklets devoted to parliamentary speeches or fundamental policy questions. Regional units are invited to identify useful subjects and submit English-language material for consideration by the Central Office’s Publicity Wing.

The letter also proposes a panel of translators paid by assignment rather than salary, with the Central Office bearing translation costs. It asks State units to provide information about functioning district committees so that leaflet supplies can be allocated accordingly. Short leaflets would be supplied free of cost, while the cost of larger booklets would be shared 25 percent by the Central Office and 75 percent by the State, subject to a maximum initial print order of 10,000 copies.

Key points

• The Publicity Wing proposes publishing short leaflets and longer policy or parliamentary booklets.
• Two-page leaflets are intended for ordinary readers and topical public issues.
• Longer booklets may be translated according to the needs and preferences of State units.
• The Central Office is assembling a panel of translators paid by assignment.
• The proposed translation fee is Rs. 15 per thousand words for the first 5,000 words and Rs. 10 per thousand thereafter.
• Short leaflets would be supplied free of cost, while larger-booklet costs would be divided between the Central Office and State units.
• State allocations of leaflets would be related to districts with elected or ad hoc party committees.