Dakshina Kannada MP Chowta Pushes for Tulu in Constitution's Eighth Schedule

Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada MP Captain Brijesh Chowta has raised the issue of including the Tulu language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

During the parliament session, in his query, the MP inquired about the Government's awareness of the longstanding demand from the people of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Kasaragod for the recognition of Tulu under the Eighth Schedule.

On Tuesday, MP Chowta asked the Government to provide details on any steps taken toward fulfilling this demand. He also sought information on the broader efforts to include additional languages in the Eighth Schedule, referencing past attempts by the Pahwa Committee (1996) and Sitakant Mohapatra Committee (2003) to establish criteria for such inclusions.

In response, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityananda Rai acknowledged that there have been recurring demands for the inclusion of various languages, including Tulu, in the Eighth Schedule.

However, he clarified that there are no fixed criteria for the inclusion of languages in the schedule, given the dynamic nature of linguistic evolution, which is influenced by socio-cultural, economic, and political factors.

The response further highlighted that previous efforts by the Pahwa and Mohapatra Committees to establish definitive criteria were inconclusive. The Government is conscious of the sentiments and requirements for the inclusion of other languages in the Eighth Schedule. Such requests have to be considered keeping in mind these sentiments, and the other relevant considerations, the response added.