Centre Set to Tweak Criteria for According Classical Language Status

Analysis

Introduction

In response to growing demands for classical status for several Indian languages, the Union government of India has decided to amend the criteria used to grant this prestigious recognition. The Linguistics Expert Committee of the Culture Ministry submitted a report suggesting these changes, and the Ministry is preparing to issue a new set of criteria.

Background and Current Situation

Over the years, various states and literary circles have advocated for classical status for languages such as Marathi, Bengali, Assamese, and Maithili. The push for Marathi to be recognized as a classical language has gained particular momentum recently, especially with upcoming elections in Maharashtra.

Historical Context

In 2014, then Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan established a committee of Marathi language experts, chaired by Ranganath Pathare, to evaluate Marathi's eligibility for classical status. The committee concluded that Marathi meets all necessary parameters to be recognized as a classical language. This led to Chavan's communication with Union Culture Minister Shripad Naik to expedite the process.

Government Actions and Political Dynamics

The Culture Ministry's decision to reconsider and amend the criteria was first addressed in a meeting on June 21, 2023. A Gazette notification outlining the new criteria will be issued after Cabinet approval. This reassessment indicates the government's acknowledgment of the importance of these demands and its intention to address them.

Union Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy informed Parliament in February 2022 that proposals for according classical status to Marathi were under active consideration. The issue has been raised repeatedly by MPs from Maharashtra over the past decade, emphasizing the need for official recognition.

Recent Developments

The Congress party and the Shiv Sena-BJP government in Maharashtra have intensified their efforts to secure classical status for Marathi. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted the long-standing demand on social media, and the Maharashtra government formed a "persuasion" committee led by former diplomat Dnyaneshwar Muley to liaise with Union officials and advocate for Marathi's status.

Implications of Classical Language Status

Once a language is recognized as classical, it benefits from increased promotion and scholarly attention. The Education Ministry is responsible for instituting international awards for scholars of the language, setting up a center of excellence, and ensuring the University Grants Commission allocates funds for the promotion and research of the language.

Lakshmikant Deshmukh, a member of the committee, emphasized the importance of promoting Marathi, noting that Maharashtra, as a rich state, does not require additional funds for this purpose but rather seeks official recognition to support the language's cultural heritage.

Conclusion

The government's move to tweak the criteria for classical language status reflects a significant step toward recognizing and promoting India's rich linguistic heritage. This decision, particularly regarding Marathi, demonstrates a responsive and evolving cultural policy that addresses the aspirations of various linguistic communities.

This action not only facilitates the preservation and promotion of classical languages but also enriches India's diverse cultural landscape, ensuring that these languages receive the respect and recognition they deserve.

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which committee submitted a report suggesting changes to the criteria for according classical language status to the Culture Ministry?

a) Linguistics Expert Committee
b) National Language Committee
c) Classical Languages Advisory Committee
d) Indian Heritage Committee

Answer: a) Linguistics Expert Committee

Question 2:

Which language has recently gained momentum for being recognized as a classical language, particularly due to upcoming elections in its state?

 a) Bengali
b) Assamese
c) Marathi
d) Maithili

Answer: c) Marathi

Question 3:

In 2014, which Maharashtra Chief Minister constituted a committee to evaluate Marathi's eligibility for classical language status?

 a) Devendra Fadnavis
b) Uddhav Thackeray
c) Prithviraj Chavan
d) Ashok Chavan

Answer: c) Prithviraj Chavan

Question 4:

What is the role of the Education Ministry once a language is notified as a classical language?

1.     Instituting international awards for scholars of the language

2.     Setting up centers of excellence for studies in the language

3.     Requesting the University Grants Commission to create Professional Chairs in universities

Select the correct answer using the code below:

a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: d) 1, 2, and 3

Question 5:

Which political parties and leaders have been actively advocating for Marathi's recognition as a classical language?

1.     Congress party, led by Jairam Ramesh

2.     Shiv Sena-BJP government in Maharashtra, led by Dnyaneshwar Muley

Select the correct answer using the code below:

a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: c) Both 1 and 2