Centers Promoting Classical Languages Demanding Autonomy

Syllabus: GS1/Culture

Context

• Special centers established to promote Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia, following their designation as classical languages, are seeking autonomy to enhance their effectiveness.
  • The four of the centres for classical languages function under the aegis of the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, the centre for Tamil is autonomous. 

Need for Autonomous Special Centers

• Financial Independence: These centers currently function under the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) in Mysuru, which controls their financial operations. By becoming autonomous, these centers would have direct control over their finances, allowing them to plan and implement activities without delays.
• Operational Flexibility: Due to the lack of autonomy, these centers face challenges in managing day-to-day operations. Many approved posts for research scholars and administrative staff remain unfilled because of funding delays or restrictions.
• Improved Governance and Accountability: Autonomy would streamline decision-making processes, reducing the layers of bureaucracy that currently slow down operations. 
• Comparison with Tamil Language Center:  The Tamil language center, which already enjoys autonomy, serves as a successful model. Its ability to operate independently has allowed it to better fulfill its mandate.

Classical Languages in India

• India has six classical languages — Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia.
  • Tamil was declared a classical language in 2004, Sanskrit in 2005, Kannada in 2008, Telugu in 2008, Malayalam in 2013, and Odia in 2014. 
  • All the Classical Languages are listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
• Criteria: It should have high antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1,500-2,000 years,
  • a body of ancient literature or texts that is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers, 
  • the literary tradition should be original and not borrowed from another speech community,
  • the said language and literature should be distinct from its modern format.
• Benefits: Once a language is notified as a classical language, the Education Ministry provides certain benefits to promote it such as:
  • two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in the said languages, 
  • a Centre of Excellence for Studies in the classical language is set up, 
  • and the University Grants Commission is requested to start with a certain number of Chairs for the classical language at least in the Central Universities.
• For the promotion of Sanskrit, dedicated universities also receive funds directly from the Union Education Ministry.

Source: TH