West Bengal Government Advocates for Linguistic and Religious Recognition
The West Bengal government has taken a significant step by formally writing to the Central government, urging the inclusion of two indigenous languages—Rajbanshi and Kurmali—in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Additionally, the state has sought official recognition for two tribal religions, Sari Dharam and Sarna Dharam, which are practiced by adivasi communities within the state.
Linguistic Aspirations of Marginalized Communities
In its communication, the Bengal administration emphasized that a substantial segment of the state's populace speaks Rajbanshi and Kurmali. The government argued that recognizing these languages is crucial to address the long-standing aspirations of these marginalized linguistic groups. By including them in the Eighth Schedule, which currently lists 22 official languages, the move would grant them constitutional status, potentially leading to greater preservation, promotion, and use in official domains.
Religious Sentiments and Constitutional Guarantees
Regarding the religious aspects, the state government highlighted that the recognition of Sari Dharam and Sarna Dharam is deeply intertwined with the sentiments and emotions of the adivasi communities. In a letter addressed to the Union Home Secretary, State Chief Secretary Nandini Chakravorty articulated that such recognition would uphold constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and ensure the protection of minority rights. This step is seen as a measure to affirm the cultural and religious identity of these tribal populations.
Community Response and Long-standing Demands
The initiative has been welcomed by tribal leaders and community representatives. Subhendu Mahato, the General Secretary of Purbanchal Adivasi Kurmi Samaj, expressed support for the Bengal government's move. He noted that the inclusion of their language in the Eighth Schedule and the recognition of Sarna Dharam have been persistent demands of the Kurmi community for many years. This development is viewed as a positive stride towards addressing their grievances and fostering inclusivity.
The state's proposal underscores a broader effort to acknowledge and integrate diverse linguistic and religious identities within the constitutional framework, potentially setting a precedent for similar demands from other regions.
