BJD MP Demands Inclusion of Ho, Mundari, Bhumij, Kui, and Saora Languages in 8th Schedule of Constitution

New Delhi: Biju Janata Dal MP Dr. Sasmit Patra has raised the demand for inclusion of Ho, Mundari, Bhumij, Kui, and Saora languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Raising the demand in the Rajya Sabha, the BJD MP said that Ho, Mundari, Bhumij, Kui, and Saora languages are not just modes of communication, but they are the lifeblood of millions of tribal people across multiple states.

Their recognition is essential for preserving India’s linguistic and cultural diversity and upholding the constitutional commitment to protect the rights of Scheduled Tribes, the BJD MP said.

He further said that these languages have a rich oral and literary tradition and are spoken by large tribal populations across multiple states.

Ho language is spoken primarily in Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh. Mundari language is spoken mainly in Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Assam.

Similarly, Bhumij language is spoken predominantly in Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Kui language is spoken mainly in Odisha and some parts of Andhra Pradesh. Saora language is spoken mainly in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

While Odisha is home to the largest number of speakers of these languages, their influence extends beyond state borders. These languages are spoken in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and even parts of Bihar, forming an integral part of the linguistic heritage of eastern and central India.

Their exclusion from the Eighth Schedule denies recognition, development support, and constitutional protections to millions of indigenous people across multiple states, Patra said.

Odisha has been at the forefront of championing this cause under the leadership of former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal President Naveen Patnaik, he highlighted.

The Odisha Cabinet formally approved this demand through a resolution, making it a clear policy commitment.

The Odisha Government then led by Naveen Patnaik has written multiple letters to the Government of India, urging immediate action on this matter, the BJD MP said.

He has strongly urged the Union Government to honor the demand of the Odisha Cabinet, then Odisha Government and the millions of tribal people across multiple states by immediately including Ho, Mundari, Bhumij, Kui, and Saora languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.