Official Languages under Eighth Schedule of Constitution

The Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India holds immense significance in terms of recognising the linguistic diversity of the nation. It lays down the official languages that the government acknowledges, ensuring that the cultural and linguistic identities of India’s vast population are preserved. This article provides an in-depth exploration of the Eighth Schedule, its historical background, constitutional provisions, current status, and the debates surrounding its expansion.

What is the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution?

The Indian Constitution, adopted in 1950, is often hailed as a remarkable document that embodies the nation’s diversity. A crucial part of this diversity is language, with India having over 1,600 languages spoken across its vast expanse. The Eighth Schedule is the constitutional provision that recognises a specific set of languages, which are officially used for government communication and other legal matters.

The schedule, currently comprising 22 languages, serves as a tool for promoting linguistic harmony and providing recognition to the various linguistic communities in India. This article aims to explore the intricacies of the Eighth Schedule, its evolution, the benefits it brings, and the ongoing debates surrounding the inclusion of more languages.

Constitutional Framework: The Role of Part XVII

The provisions for the official languages of India are covered under Part XVII of the Constitution, specifically in Articles 343 to 351. Part XVII deals with the official language of the Union and the languages of the States. The main objective of these provisions is to promote Hindi as the official language while ensuring that regional languages are also respected and used for official purposes.

Article 343: Official Language of the Union

• Article 343(1) declares Hindi, written in Devanagari script, as the official language of India.
• Article 343(2) allows the continued use of English for official communication for an additional 15 years, after which the transition to Hindi was expected to take place.

Article 344: The Commission on Official Languages

• Article 344(1) mandates the creation of a Official Languages Commission to review the progress in the use of Hindi and make recommendations about the use of official languages in the Union.
• The Commission plays a pivotal role in suggesting steps to promote Hindi while ensuring the preservation of other languages.

Article 351: The Promotion of Hindi

• Article 351 directs the Union to take steps to promote the development of Hindi to serve as a medium of expression for all parts of India, reflecting its rich cultural diversity.

The Evolution of the Eighth Schedule

The Eighth Schedule lists the languages recognised by the Constitution of India. Initially, only 14 languages were recognised, but over time, as India’s linguistic landscape evolved, the schedule was expanded through several constitutional amendments.

Original List (1950)

In the year 1950, the Eighth Schedule included 14 languages:

1. Assamese
2. Bengali
3. Gujarati
4. Hindi
5. Kannada
6. Kashmiri
7. Malayalam
8. Marathi
9. Oriya
10. Punjabi
11. Sanskrit
12. Tamil
13. Telugu
14. Urdu

These languages were primarily chosen based on their widespread use and cultural significance.

Amendments to the Eighth Schedule

• 21st Amendment (1967): Added Sindhi to the list.
• 71st Amendment (1992): Included Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali, raising the total number to 18.
• 92nd Amendment (2003): Added Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santali, bringing the total to 22.
• 96th Amendment (2011): Renamed Oriya as Odia to reflect the native pronunciation.

Thus, the Eighth Schedule evolved from a list of 14 languages to 22 languages, reflecting the nation’s growing commitment to preserving its linguistic diversity.

The Current List of Scheduled Languages

As of 2025, the Eighth Schedule officially recognises the following 22 languages:

1. Assamese
2. Bengali
3. Gujarati
4. Hindi
5. Kannada
6. Kashmiri
7. Konkani
8. Malayalam
9. Manipuri
10. Marathi
11. Nepali
12. Odia
13. Punjabi
14. Sanskrit
15. Sindhi
16. Tamil
17. Telugu
18. Urdu
19. Bodo
20. Santali
21. Maithili
22. Dogri

These languages represent a rich variety of linguistic families, including Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Sino-Tibetan, and Austroasiatic families. The languages are spread across different states and Union Territories, ensuring that each region’s linguistic needs are met in official matters.

Classical Languages and Their Recognition

In addition to the languages recognised under the Eighth Schedule, certain languages have been granted the Classical Language status due to their ancient origins and significant literary heritage. Currently, six languages hold the Classical status:

1. Tamil (2004)
2. Sanskrit (2005)
3. Kannada (2008)
4. Telugu (2008)
5. Malayalam (2013)
6. Odia (2014)

Guidelines for Classical Status

To qualify as a Classical Language, the following criteria must be met:

• The language must have a high antiquity of 1,500–2,000 years.
• There should be a rich body of ancient literature that is considered a valuable heritage.
• The literary tradition must be distinct and original, not borrowed from another language community.
• There must be a clear discontinuity between the classical and modern forms of the language.

Once a language is recognised as Classical, it is eligible for certain benefits such as financial support for development, academic chairs, and international recognition through awards for scholars.

Demands for Expanding the Eighth Schedule

While the Eighth Schedule currently includes 22 languages, there are ongoing demands for the inclusion of more languages. In 2003, a committee was set up to explore the inclusion of additional languages, and as per estimates, there are demands for 38 additional languages to be recognised.

Some of the languages seeking inclusion include:

• Bhojpuri
• Magahi
• Rajasthani
• Tulu
• Garhwali
• Kumaoni
• Banjara

These languages are primarily spoken in specific regions but have significant cultural and linguistic importance. Advocates for their inclusion argue that it will help preserve these languages and provide them with the recognition they deserve.

Conclusion

The Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution plays a crucial role in ensuring that India’s linguistic diversity is recognised and preserved. By officially recognising 22 languages, it facilitates the use of these languages in official matters, thereby promoting linguistic harmony. The inclusion of Classical Languages further underscores the importance of preserving ancient linguistic heritage.