NEW DELHI, April 26/GUWAHATI/BORAPANSURY:
A final call on the inclusion of as many as seven languages of the Northeast into the Eighth Schedule of the Indian constitution and ST status to six communities of Assam is likely to be taken after the formation of the new government at the Centre.
A final call on the inclusion of as many as seven languages of the Northeast into the Eighth Schedule of the Indian constitution and ST status to six communities of Assam is likely to be taken after the formation of the new government at the Centre.
A senior government official engaged with issues related to the north–eastern States told this correspondent that both matters are under the consideration of the government. “But a final decision will be taken only by the new government,” the official said on condition of anonymity.
At present there are demands for inclusion of 38 more languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The Home Ministry has received demands for inclusion of seven north–eastern languages, which includes Kamtapuri, Karbi, Khasi, Kokborok, Lepcha, Limbu and Mizo (Lusai), under the Eighth Schedule.
An internal inter–ministerial committee was constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to make an in–depth study of the entire issue, including recommendations of the Sitakant Mohapatra Committee to suggest a set of uniform criteria with regards to extent of development of a language, its usage, etc. “This may pave the way for deciding inclusion or otherwise of a language in the Eighth Schedule. The matter is under consideration of the Government,” the official said.
Communities like the Mora, Motok, Koch–Rajbongshi, Tai–Ahom and tea tribes in Assam have been demanding ST status. As per Article 342 of the Constitution, communities are notified as Scheduled Tribes if they have five basic characteristics, which include primitive traits, geographical isolation, distinct culture, shyness of contact with community at large and economic backwardness.
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