Highlighting Linguistic Diversity, PM emphasized on the role of lndian languages in influencing and enriching each other | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
News Today Logo

Highlighting Linguistic Diversity, PM emphasized on the role of lndian languages in influencing and enriching each other

Posted 24 Feb 2025

2 min read

Linguistic Diversity can be understood both as the absolute number of languages and the percentage of the population speaking any single language in a country. 

Linguistic Diversity In India

  • Status:  As per Census 2011, there are more than 99 Non-scheduled languages, 22 Scheduled languages and 121 other languages.
    • Peoples Linguistic Survey of India (2010) identified 780 languages, of which 50 are extinct in past five decades.
  • Language Families: Indian Languages belong to  Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, Tibeto-Burmese and others.
  • Constitutional Provisions promoting Linguistic Diversity in India
    • Eighth Schedule: Recognizes 22 scheduled languages
    • Article 29: Safeguards the language, script, and culture of any section of citizens.
    • Article 350-B: Provides for a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities to protect minority language interests.

Some Initiatives taken to enhance Linguistic Diversity in India

  • National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Provides for medium of instruction to be in mother tongue/ local language upto at least class 5. 
  • Sahitya Akademi: Supports and preserves Indian languages through awards, publications, and research.
  • Technology Initiatives: Bhashini, AI-driven translation tools, and regional language support in digital platforms.
  • Classical Languages: Designation accorded to a language based on its historical significance,  linguistic contribution, etc. 
  • Committee: Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, a High Powered Committee for Promotion of Indian Languages constituted in 2021. 
  • Tags :
  • Linguistic Diversity
  • Eighth Schedule
  • Article 29
Watch News Today
Subscribe for Premium Features