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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