Center set to tweak criteria for according classical language status
- Amid demand for classical status for many languages, the Union government has decided to tweak the criteria for giving the special tag.
- The Linguistics Expert Committee of the Culture Ministry submitted a report, suggesting changes.
Highlights:
- The sources said the Centre had asked the panel to reconsider the rules. A Gazette notification of the new criteria will be issued after Cabinet approval.
- This, in effect, means that classical language status for certain languages, chiefly Marathi, which is under consideration of the government, may have to wait for the notification.
- Over the years, some States and literary circles have been demanding classical status for languages such as Marathi, Bengali, Assamese and Maithili.
- In 2014, then Maharashtra Chief Minister constituted a committee of Marathi language experts, and the report was submitted to the Centre.
- The Pathare committee had concluded that Marathi fulfills all parameters to be recognised as a classical language.
- The Union Culture Minister informed Parliament in February 2022 that “the proposal for classical status to Marathi was under the active consideration of the Ministry of Culture”.
- Once a language is notified as a classical language,
- The Education Ministry helps promote it, which includes instituting two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in the language.
- Apart from this, a center of excellence for studies in the language is set up, and
- The University Grants Commission is requested to create a certain number of Professional Chairs in Central universities.
- With the Assembly election due in Maharashtra, the demand in support of Marathi has gained momentum.
- The mandate of this committee is to liaison and pursue the matter with Union government officials.
Prelims Takeaway
- Classical Languages
- Linguistic Officer