Indian Government Spending on Languages (Last 10 Years)

Language is a crucial part of India’s cultural and educational identity. With 22 official languages recognized in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, the Government of India allocates funds for their promotion, preservation, and development. Over the last 10 years, spending patterns have varied significantly across languages based on cultural priorities, educational initiatives, and institutional support.

This article provides a detailed overview of the expenditure by the Indian government on different languages, highlighting which languages have received the most attention and funding.

Why Government Spending on Languages Matters

The allocation of funds to languages is crucial for:

• Cultural preservation

• Literary development

• Translation and research

• Language education programs

• Digitization and modernization

These investments support language academies, institutions, and projects that work toward safeguarding India’s rich linguistic heritage.

Government Expenditure on Languages (2014–2024)

Below is a tabular representation of the language-wise spending by the Government of India over the last decade:

Table: Language-wise Government Spending (Rs in Crore)

Analysis of Spending Trends

1. Sanskrit – ₹2,532 Crore

Sanskrit received the highest funding among all Indian languages. This reflects a strong push toward reviving classical studies, supporting Sanskrit universities, and scholarships for Sanskrit learners. Several government schemes have been launched to promote Sanskrit literature, digitization, and research.

2. Urdu – ₹838 Crore

Urdu received significant support, especially through the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL). Initiatives include computer training centers, publishing grants, and support for Urdu academies across states.

3. Hindi – ₹426 Crore

Despite being the most widely spoken language in India, Hindi saw moderate funding. Much of its use is already integrated into government operations and education, which may account for relatively lower dedicated spending.

4. Tamil – ₹120 Crore

Recognized as a classical language, Tamil received focused investment, especially for research, literary studies, and language technology development.

5. Sindhi – ₹54 Crore

A minority language, Sindhi’s funding was allocated for preserving its literature, supporting publications, and promoting cultural events.

6. Telugu & Kannada – ₹12 Crore Each

These major regional languages received minimal direct central funding, as their development is often supported through state government initiatives.

7. Remaining Languages – Under ₹15 Crore Each

Languages not listed above individually received less than ₹15 crore each, reflecting limited central-level investment, often offset by state-level support.