Context:

Recently, special centers for promoting classical Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and Odia languages have demanded autonomy in their functioning. 

More on the News

• These centers, currently under the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, seek independence to better fulfill their mandates.  
• The Centre for Tamil is autonomous.

Classical Languages Status in India

• India has six classical Languages as of now- Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam and Odia.
• In October 2004, the government issued a notification for the first time classifying languages as "classical languages".
• 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 8^th Schedule of the Constitution.

Criteria for Classical Language status:

• High antiquity of early texts/recorded history spanning over 1000 years.
• A body of ancient literature considered valuable heritage by generations.
• Original literary tradition, not borrowed from another speech community.
• language and literature should be distinct from its modern format with possible discontinuity between classical and later versions or offshoots.

Demand for Autonomy

• Financial Constraints: Centers currently require financial sanction from CIIL for any event or activity, often resulting in reimbursement delays. This hinders their ability to organize programs effectively and maintain regular operations.
• Staffing Issues: Many positions for research scholars and administrative staff remain vacant due to irregular funding. For example, the Classical Telugu center in Nellore has only 12 out of 36 approved staff positions filled.
• Operational Challenges: Project Directors lack financial drawing power, forcing them to seek approval from CIIL's Director for every expenditure. This bureaucratic process significantly impedes the efficient functioning of these centers.
• Comparison with Other Classical Languages: Unlike these four languages, the Centre for Tamil operates autonomously, and serves as a successful model. Sanskrit receives direct funding through dedicated universities from the Union Education Ministry.

Benefits of Classical Language Status

• International Recognition: Classical language status brings two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in the designated languages, enhancing their global prestige.
• Dedicated Research Centers: The government establishes Centres of Excellence for Studies in each classical language, promoting in-depth research and preservation efforts.
• Academic Integration: The University Grants Commission is requested to create a certain number of Chairs for classical languages in Central Universities, fostering academic expertise.
• Financial Support: Significant funding is allocated for the promotion of classical languages. For instance, ₹643.84 crore was spent on Sanskrit promotion over three years.

Promotion of Classical Languages:

• The Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) promotes Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, and Odia, which are four of India's classical languages.
• It established by the Government of India on July 17, 1969, in Mysuru, promotes Indian languages. Operating under the Ministry of Education, it has become a leading institute for language development over the past five decades.
• The Government of India supports Sanskrit through three Central Universities, which receive funds for teaching and research. However, there are no separate funds for classical Sanskrit projects.
• The Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT) is responsible for the development and promotion of Tamil.