Protection and Promotion of Classical Languages
Protection and Promotion of Classical Languages
The Government has recognized the following 11 languages as Classical Language:-
Language
Year of Notification
Tamil
2004
Sanskrit
2005
Telugu
2008
Kannada
Malayalam
2013
Odia
2014
Marathi
2024
Pali
Prakrit
Assamese
Bengali
The Government of India through the Ministry of Education provides funds for protection and promotion of classical languages. The details of the funds released for classical languages may be found at Annexure-I.
Government of India has established a institute namely Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), Chennai for development and promotion of Tamil language. CICT conducts seminars, workshops, short term projects and translation of Tirukkural into India/ Foreign Languages. CICT has made braille conversion of 41 Classical texts enabling visually challenged to experience ancient Tamil literature. In collaboration with NCERT, CICT has also launched PM-e vidya Tamil channel for promotion of Tamil Language.
This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
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BY/SKT
ANNEXURE-I
YEAR-WISE AND LANGUAGE WISE FUNDS TO THE CLASSICAL LANGAUGE
(Rs. In Lakhs)
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
2024-25
Kannada
127.50
106.50
171.75
154.50
83.50
Telugu
147.00
103.15
171.75
154.50
83.50
Malayalam
8.00
63.97
186.75
112.50
83.50
Tamil
1200.00
1200.00
1200.00
1525.00
1430.00
Odia
8.00
58.38
176.75
138.50
83.50
The Government of India promotes Sanskrit Language through three Central Universities. Funds are provided to these universities for teaching and research in Sanskrit Language leading to award of degree, diploma, certificate to students.