(a) whether the proposal of declaring Kannada language as classical language is pending with Government since long time;
(b) if so, the criteria adopted for declaring a language as classical language;
(c) the details of the benefits it will get, if a language is included as classical language; and
(d) the time by which it is likely to be declared?
MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND CULTURE
(SMT. AMBIKA SONI)
(a) The proposal has been referred to the Committee of Linguistic Experts of the Sahitya
Akademi.
(b) The criteria are as under:-
i. High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years.
ii. A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.
iii. The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
iv. The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.
(c) The benefits are as under:-
i. Two major International awards for Scholars of eminence in Classical Indian language be awarded annually.
ii. A `Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Languages` be set up.
iii. To start with at least in the Central Universities, the University Grants Commission would be requested to create a certain number of Professor Chairs for Classical Languages for scholars of eminence in Classical Indian Languages.
(d) The future course of action would depend on the completion of the scrutiny of proposals by the Committee of Linguistic Experts.