Bhubaneswar: A Santali expert panel on Saturday met Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and urged the state government to accord minority language status to Santali and introduce it as a subject in schools under the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
A delegation comprising Padma Shri awardee and author Damayanti Besra, Central Sahitya Akademi coordinator Chaitanya Majhi, former Baisinga MLA Kandra Soren, former IAS officer Dhananjay Hembram and former IRS officer Udayanath Majhi met Majhi and submitted a memorandum outlining measures for the promotion and preservation of the language.
The delegation sought the introduction of Santali as a Modern Indian Language and an elective subject from Class I to the higher secondary level under the three-language formula of NEP 2020.
It also urged the government to recruit Santali teachers and create dedicated B.Ed. seats at teacher education colleges in Baripada, Baleshwar and Anandapur.
The chief minister told the delegation that the state government was committed to the preservation of tribal languages and literature.
Majhi said the government would take appropriate measures based on the recommendations of the expert committee and work towards the overall development of the Santali community.
He also said the fact that the country’s highest constitutional office was occupied by President Droupadi Murmu was a matter of pride for the Santali community as well as the nation.
Her presidency, he added, had also enhanced the visibility of the Santali language, culture and tribal identity.
The delegation also emphasised the need for measures to promote and preserve Santali and ensure its wider use in education.
