CLASSICAL LANGUAGES

 Source: Hindu

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Context

Special centres set up for the promotion of Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia after they were designated classical languages are demanding autonomy in their functioning in order to better carry out their functions.

Details

• The demand for autonomy stems from the challenges they face under the current administrative setup.
• These centres were established after these languages were granted classical status.
• They operate under the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) in Mysuru.
• The Tamil language promotion centre enjoys autonomy.
• Sanskrit promotion is supported directly through dedicated universities funded by the Union Education Ministry

Key Issues Faced by the Centres

• Fiscal Constraints:
• For any programme or activity, financial sanctions from the CIIL come later.
• Seeking finances and then accounting for that leads to financial duress and weakens the capability of centres to function with maximum efficiency.
• There is inconsistency in funding, too. From 2017 to 2020, there were approximately ₹ 643.84 crore spent to propagate Sanskrit. In the case of the other five classical languages, however, the total that reached them amounts to ₹ 29 crore collectively.
• Shortage of Manpower:
• There is no assured flow of funds periodically, hence many posts are lying vacant.
• Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Odia has just 8 workers while the sanctioned strength is 40.
• Operational Autonomy:
• No financial autonomy and empowerment to the Directors to take quick decisions.

Classical Languages

India recognizes six languages as "Classical Languages" due to their rich literary heritage and independent traditions. These languages are:

1. Tamil(2004)
2. Sanskrit(2005)
3. Kannada(2008)
4. Telugu(2008)
5. Malayalam(2013)
6. Odia(2014)

Criteria for Classical Language Status

A language is granted classical status based on:

• A history of at least 1500-2000 years.
• The language should have a rich literary tradition not borrowed from another tradition.
• The language must have a considerable body of ancient literature.

Sources:

Hindu