Tulu in 8th Schedule
2020 MAR 14
Mains >
Constitution > Indian Constitution > Schedules of constitution
Why in news:
The Tulu speaking population in the country has been urging the central government to expedite the process of including the language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian constitution.
Tulu:
- Tulu is a Dravidian language spoken in 2 coastal districts (Dakshina Kannada and Udupi) of Karnataka and in a part of the Kasaragod district of Kerala.
- The census 2011 reports that there are 18,46,427 native speakers of Tulu in India. The cities of Mangaluru, Udupi and Kasaragod are the epicentres of Tulu culture.
- The campaign for the inclusion of Tulu in the 8th schedule is gaining momentum these days.
Advantages of Tulu being included in the Schedule:
- It will be recognized as one of the official languages of India which means equal status with other languages
- It will become mandatory for the union government to take efforts to develop the language so that it grows into an effective means of communication
- It would get recognition from the Sahitya Akademi and Tulu books would be translated into other recognized Indian languages.
- Members of Parliament could speak in Tulu.
- Government exams can be given in the mother tongue for Tulu speaking population.
- Natural advancement of the language will get a boost
Can the demand be justified?
- Article 29 of the Constitution guarantees the right of the citizen to conserve their distinct language, script or culture. So the state is constitutionally bound to promote those rights.
- Tulu has a greater number of speakers than other scheduled languages like Sanskrit, Manipuri etc.
- Official language status on any language will be a recognition of the diversity of the country and thereby promotes inclusion & unity in the society.
Practice Question
Q. Bring out the relevance of preserving and promoting linguistic diversity of India