This article is part of the UPSC Daily Editorial Analysis, covering The Hindu editorial – " A school closure that must be called out," published on 15^th March, by the best UPSC coaching in Kolkata.

Syllabus: UPSC GS Paper 2 – Governance, Welfare Schemes, and Linguistic Rights of Tribals.

What is in news?

Recently, there was a decision to shut down the only Gondi-medium school located in the Fifth Schedule area of Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra. This move threatens tribal identity and linguistic rights. It limits educational access for Gondi-speaking children. The closure raises concerns about the state’s role in preserving tribal culture and linguistic rights. It may lead to cultural erosion and loss of indigenous knowledge.

Recognition Issues and Legal Challenges for Gondi-Medium School

The school was established in 2019 through a gram panchayat resolution to provide primary education in Gondi. This aligned with Article 29 and Article 350(A) of the Constitution. However, authorities argue that it lacks recognition under the RTE Act, 2009. They cite concerns over quality standards and students' future prospects.

Constitutional Provisions and Linguistic Rights

The closure of the school violates constitutional safeguards for minority languages and cultures.

• Article 29 protects the right to preserve language, script and culture.
• Article 350(A) mandates education in the mother tongue for linguistic minorities.
• The Fifth Schedule provides special protections for tribal communities.

Shutting down the school undermines these rights. It reflects a policy bias against tribal languages.

Bureaucratic Justifications vs. Structural Bias

The lack of RTE recognition is the main reason cited for the closure. This raises questions about who decides the legitimacy of educational institutions. While standardization is important, rejecting the school exposes socio-political subordination. The state’s refusal to recognize tribal education is not just procedural. It reflects deep structural biases against tribal languages and cultures.

Forces of Assimilation and Cultural Erosion

The issue reflects a broader challenge—the systemic erosion of Adivasi identity. This happens in two ways:

• Secular Absorption: State policies and market forces sideline tribal languages in favor of dominant cultures.
• Religious Absorption: Indigenous belief systems face distortion, denigration, or erasure.

A clear example is the exclusion of Gondi from the Eighth Schedule, despite having over 29 lakh speakers. In contrast, Sanskrit, spoken by fewer than 25,000 people, is recognized. This reveals the political bias in language recognition.

Why is the preservation of Adivasi languages crucial?

Adivasi languages depend on oral traditions, preserving myths, beliefs and history. Urbanization, deforestation and market forces are eroding these languages. This threatens tribal identity and self-determination. Unlike languages with strong literary traditions, Adivasi languages face extinction without active protection and promotion.

The alarming decline of tribal languages in India

Globally, around 3,000 languages are classified as endangered. India has the highest number of endangered languages, with 197 tribal languages under threat. According to linguist Ganesh N Devy, India may have lost 220 languages since 1961 and another 150 could vanish in the next 50 years. The People’s Linguistic Survey of India has identified several critically endangered languages, including:

• Majhi (Sikkim) – only four known speakers remain.
• Mahali (Eastern India), Koro (Arunachal Pradesh), Sidi (Gujarat) and Dimasa (Assam) – all at risk.
• UNESCO has categorized Asur, Birhor and Korwa as endangered, with Birhor critically endangered, having just 2,000 speakers.

What is the impact of linguistic decline?

The loss of tribal languages leads to:

• Erosion of indigenous knowledge: Tribal languages carry rich knowledge about flora, fauna and medicinal plants.
• Cultural disintegration: Language is integral to traditions, stories and social cohesion.
• Loss of identity: A community’s language is a key marker of its distinct identity.
  

Government Initiatives for Tribal Language Preservation Government Initiatives The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, under the ‘Support to TRIs Scheme’, funds Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) for projects on tribal language preservation. These focus on documentation, education and awareness. Key Projects Bilingual Dictionaries: Developing bi/trilingual modules in tribal languages. Education Support: Creating tribal language primers under the Multi-Lingual Education (MLE) framework of NEP 2020. Literature Development: Publishing alphabets, folktales and rhymes in tribal languages. Oral Traditions: Documenting folklore, songs and riddles. Healthcare Awareness: Translating Sickle Cell Anaemia materials into tribal dialects. Workshops & Seminars: Encouraging tribal language use through events. Teacher Training: Conducting language training for educators in Ashram Schools.  Role of NEP 2020 The NEP 2020 promotes multi-lingual education, ensuring better learning outcomes for tribal students. Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages (SPPEL) Launched in 2013 by the Ministry of Education, implemented by CIIL, Mysuru. Focuses on languages spoken by fewer than 10,000 people. Develops dictionaries, primers and linguistic profiles. Budget Allocation for ‘Support to TRIs Scheme’ 2021-22: ₹120 Cr 2022-23: ₹121 Cr 2023-24: ₹118.64 Cr AI-Based Tribal Language Translation The ‘TRI-ECE’ scheme funds AI-driven language tools for better accessibility. Bhasha Research Centre: Tribal language documentation (₹58.70 Lakh). BITS Pilani, IITs & Bhashini: AI-based translation tool for tribal languages (₹3.122 Cr). India is leveraging technology, education and policy support to preserve tribal languages and ensure their future survival. The Case of Odisha Odisha, home to 62 tribes and 21 tribal languages, has launched initiatives such as: Multi-Lingual Education (MLE) Program (2006): Aims to reduce language barriers in education. 3,385 tribal language teachers recruited. Dictionaries for 20 tribal languages published. However, the success of these programs is limited due to insufficient teacher training, lack of learning materials and weak implementation. Role of MTBMLE in Language Preservation Mother Tongue-Based Multi-Lingual Education (MTBMLE) can be a game changer. Institutions like the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) have successfully implemented MTBMLE programs, creating transition curricula in 10 tribal dialects to bridge the gap between home and school languages. Community-Led Language Revitalization Local initiatives have demonstrated promising results: Asur Mobile Radio (Jharkhand): A community radio program promoting the endangered Asur language. Cultural programs and storytelling in native languages help in reviving interest among younger generations.

How can Gondi language and culture be protected from marginalization?

• Recognize Gondi-Medium Schools: The Maharashtra government must grant official recognition to the Mohgaon school and similar institutions in tribal areas.
• Include Gondi in the Eighth Schedule: Formal recognition will enable state funding, curriculum development and preservation efforts.

How can India ensure linguistic and cultural preservation?

To address the crisis of linguistic and cultural marginalization, the following steps must be undertaken:

• Implement NEP 2020: Extend mother-tongue education policies to tribal languages as per the National Education Policy.
• Establish Tribal Language Academies: Develop educational resources, teacher training and digital content for Gondi and other tribal languages.

To protect India’s linguistic diversity, experts recommend:

• Incorporating tribal languages in mainstream education and administration.
• Developing digital tools and media content in tribal languages.
• Supporting local community initiatives for language preservation.
• Encouraging linguistic research and documentation efforts.

Conclusion

The closure of Maharashtra's only Gondi-medium school is a question of linguistic and cultural survival. Despite constitutional protections, state policies often fail to uphold tribal rights. Tribal-language education is not just about literacy; it is about dignity, identity and self-determination. Shutting down this school would weaken inclusive and equitable education for Adivasi communities. The government must act to recognize and promote tribal languages, ensuring constitutional guarantees are translated into real action.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q: How does the closure of minority-language schools’ impact tribal identity, constitutional rights and language preservation? Suggest policy measures to protect indigenous languages.

1. What constitutional provisions protect tribal languages?

Article 29 safeguards cultural and linguistic rights, Article 350(A) mandates education in the mother tongue and the Fifth Schedule ensures special protections for tribal communities.

2. How does language loss impact tribal communities?

The decline of tribal languages erodes indigenous knowledge, cultural traditions and identity, weakening the self-determination of Adivasi communities.

3. How is technology being used for tribal language preservation?

AI-driven translation tools, bilingual dictionaries and community initiatives like Asur Mobile Radio are leveraging technology to document and revitalize tribal languages.