DIRECT ANSWER: The inclusion of Tulu in the Eighth Schedule is sought to grant this major Dravidian language constitutional legitimacy, unlock central funding for promotion, provide recognition through the Sahitya Akademi, and allow its selection as an optional paper in competitive examinations like UPSC.
Why in News?
The Karnataka state government recently reiterated its recommendation to the Union Home Ministry regarding the inclusion of the Tulu language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, reviving the long-standing demand from Tulu linguistic groups in Karnataka and Kerala.
What is the Concept / Issue?
The Eighth Schedule, defined under Articles 344(1) and 351, lists the languages recognized by the Constitution (currently 22). Inclusion signifies national importance, making the language eligible for government efforts for enrichment, use in official communication, and representation in bodies like the Sahitya Akademi. Tulu is a Dravidian language spoken by approximately 1.8 million people, primarily in the region known as Tulu Nadu.
Why is this Issue Important?
- Strategic: Recognition strengthens linguistic federalism and upholds the Constitutional directive (Article 351) to promote the spread and development of India's composite culture through language.
- Economic: Inclusion leads to potential Central government funding for research, documentation, promotion schemes, and the establishment of institutions dedicated to Tulu studies.
- Geopolitical/Social: Addresses regional identity politics and linguistic grievances of the Tulu-speaking community, ensuring their cultural heritage is preserved and promoted at a national level.
Key Sectors / Dimensions Involved
- Dimension 1: Constitutional Law and Federalism (The process requires parliamentary amendment and balances state demands with central authority regarding language).
- Dimension 2: Socio-Linguistics and Cultural Heritage Preservation (Tulu possesses its own script and a rich oral and written literature requiring standardization and academic support).
- Dimension 3: Administrative and Educational Policy (Inclusion impacts UPSC/SSC exam structures, educational curriculum development, and translator requirements).
What are the Challenges?
- The absence of clear, objective, and publicly stated criteria for inclusion since the government has not officially adopted the recommendations of the Sita Kant Mohapatra Committee (2003).
- Risk of the 'Pandora’s Box' phenomenon, where the recognition of Tulu triggers renewed, massive demands from over 38 other languages (e.g., Bhojpuri, Nagpuri) awaiting inclusion.
- Concerns regarding the administrative and financial burden, particularly related to publishing central government documents and official gazettes in an expanded list of languages.
UPSC Relevance
Prelims Focus:
- Eighth Schedule: Original languages vs. current count (22), and the amendments involved (21st, 71st, 92nd).
- Constitutional Articles 344 and 351 (Official Languages).
- Tulu language family classification (Dravidian) and the Tulu script.
Mains Angle:
GS Paper II – Indian Constitution – evolution, features, significant provisions, federal structure; GS Paper I – Society and culture.
How UPSC May Ask This Topic:
Critically examine the implications of expanding the Eighth Schedule, citing the case of Tulu. Should the government prioritize developing a rational criterion over responding to socio-political demands for linguistic recognition? (250 words)
What is the Way Forward?
- The Central Government must establish a fixed, transparent, and rational set of objective criteria for Eighth Schedule inclusion, based on the Mohapatra Committee’s recommendations or a modified framework.
- Developing parallel mechanisms, such as establishing an official 'Promotional List' of languages outside the Eighth Schedule, to provide funding and academic support without immediately impacting the official language domain.
- State governments, like Karnataka and Kerala, must commit resources to develop standardized Tulu teaching materials and academic curricula independently of central recognition to ensure linguistic vitality.