(a) whether the Government have decided to include some more languages particularly Santhal language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken so far in this direction?
(a) whether the Government have decided to include some more languages particularly Santhal language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken so far in this direction?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (I.D. SWAMI)
(a) to (c): The Government had decided that a suitable criteria needs to be evolved for inclusion of any language in the Eighth Schedule as no criteria has been laid down in the Constitution of India. Accordingly, the issue of evolving criteria has been referred to the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution for consideration. The question of inclusion of more languages including Santhali language in the Eighth Schedule would be considered after the criteria is evolved.