DIRECT ANSWER: The release of the Constitution of India in the Santhali language, utilizing the Ol Chiki script, by President Droupadi Murmu, marks a crucial initiative for linguistic justice and tribal empowerment. It ensures that constitutional principles are accessible to the Santhal community, bolstering constitutional literacy and the spirit of inclusive governance under the Eighth Schedule.
Why in News?
President Droupadi Murmu, who belongs to the Santhal community herself, released the first edition of the Santhali translation of the Constitution of India. This historic translation was executed by the National Tribal Research Institute (NTRI) in collaboration with linguistic and legal experts, making a landmark document accessible in one of India’s major tribal languages.
What is the Concept / Issue?
The core concept revolves around Linguistic Accessibility and Constitutional Integration. The initiative addresses the necessity of translating high legal documents into all recognized languages (currently 22 under the Eighth Schedule) to ensure that marginalized communities, particularly Scheduled Tribes (STs), can understand their fundamental rights, duties, and the administrative framework in their native tongue (Santhali, recognized in 2003).
Why is this Issue Important?
- Strategic: Strengthening national unity and integrity by formally recognizing diverse linguistic identities, thereby integrating tribal communities into the national mainstream through better constitutional understanding.
- Economic: Enabling greater economic participation and better access to government schemes, land rights (e.g., PESA Act implications), and administrative processes when the underlying legal framework is understood in the native script (Ol Chiki).
- Geopolitical/Social: Fulfilling the constitutional mandate of linguistic justice (Article 347) and enhancing social justice, directly addressing historical exclusion faced by STs in terms of legal awareness and access to justice.
Key Sectors / Dimensions Involved
- Dimension 1: Linguistic Policy & Education: Implementation of the Eighth Schedule mandate and active promotion of the Ol Chiki script in schools, ensuring the preservation and development of Santhali as a scheduled language.
- Dimension 2: Tribal Governance & PESA: Improving the efficacy of autonomous governance structures, especially the Gram Sabhas mandated under the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA), by providing foundational constitutional knowledge directly.
- Dimension 3: Judicial & Administrative Access: Facilitating the functioning of local courts and district administration in Santhal-dominated areas by standardizing legal terminology in Santhali, thereby improving access to justice and legal aid.
What are the Challenges?
- Ensuring standardization of legal terminology in Santhali, given the inherent difficulty in translating complex English/Hindi legal concepts into tribal languages.
- Scaling up distribution and ensuring availability of printed and digital copies across remote tribal areas in states like Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal.
- Lack of sufficient trained educators, government officials, and legal professionals proficient in both the Ol Chiki script and constitutional law to effectively disseminate the knowledge.
UPSC Relevance
Prelims Focus:
- Eighth Schedule of the Constitution (languages, criteria, additions like Santhali).
- Santhali language and the Ol Chiki script (developed by Raghunath Murmu).
- Constitutional provisions related to linguistic minorities (Articles 347, 350A, 350B).
Mains Angle:
GS Paper II – Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections (STs), mechanisms, laws, institutions constituted for their protection and betterment. / Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education and Justice.
How UPSC May Ask This Topic:
Analyze the significance of translating the Constitution into Scheduled Languages like Santhali, especially concerning linguistic justice and the implementation of tribal welfare laws. Discuss the associated challenges in promoting constitutional literacy among tribal communities in India. (250 words)
What is the Way Forward?
- Integrate the Santhali Constitution and related educational material into the school and adult literacy curriculum in Santhal-dominated regions.
- Develop comprehensive digital resources, including mobile applications and audio versions of the Constitution, to maximize reach and accessibility across remote areas.
- Establish specialized translation and training centers (building upon NTRI’s work) to ensure continuous translation of all legal amendments and critical government documents into all 22 scheduled languages.