Now Reading: Santali experts seek minority language status, school subject in Odisha
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Santali experts seek minority language status, school subject in Odisha
Santali experts seek minority language status, school subject in Odisha
A Santali expert committee has urged the Odisha 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, including Padma Shri author Damayanti Besra and former MLA Kandra Soren, met Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday, 3 October 2026, and submitted a memorandum outlining the demands.
The delegation sought the introduction of Santali as a Modern Indian Language and elective subject from Class I to higher secondary under the NEP's three-language formula. They also demanded recruitment of Santali teachers and dedicated BEd seats at teacher education colleges in Baripada, Balasore and Anandapur.
Majhi assured the delegation that the state government was committed to preserving tribal languages and literature, and would take appropriate measures based on the expert committee's recommendations. He noted that President Droupadi Murmu's occupancy of the highest constitutional office was a matter of pride and had enhanced the visibility of the Santali language and culture.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Both The Times of India and Orissa Post report the same meeting and demands, presenting the CM’s assurances without criticism. The coverage is uniform straight reporting, with no difference in framing: each outlet leads with the delegation’s request and closes with the CM’s pledge and his reference to President Murmu. No source questions the timeline or likelihood of implementation. The story leaves open which specific recommendations the government will adopt and when, with Majhi promising only that steps will be taken ‘soon’.
Coverage: 2 sources, 2 neutral
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report), orissapost.com (neutral report)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry. Methodology and corrections.
