Kui language inclusion in 8th schedule gets approval of Odisha govt

The Odisha state cabinet gave an approval to a proposal which recommended the inclusion of the Kui language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution of India. The cabinet is of opinion that the inclusion of language to 8th schedule will not have any financial implications.

About the Kui Language

• Approximately 46 languages are spoken by the tribal population in Odisha, India. Among them is the Kui language, also known as Kandh, Khondi, Kanda, Kodu, or Kuinga. Kui is a South-Eastern Dravidian language primarily spoken by the Kandhas or Kondhs, residing in the hilly and forested areas of Odisha.
• The Kui language is predominantly spoken in regions such as Phulbani (Kondhamal), Boudh, Koraput, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Nabarangpur, Sonepur, Angul, and Dhenkanal districts of South and central Odisha. It is closely related to the Gondi and Kuvi languages and is written in the Odia script.
• According to the census of India, the Kui language has approximately 1 million speakers, precisely 941,488 individuals. The UNESCO site indicates that the language’s status situation is potentially vulnerable, suggesting the need for attention and preservation efforts.

Significance of inclusion in 8th schedule

• As per cabinet committee, more than 7 lakh people of Kandh tribe of Odisha will be benefitted from this decision.
  The inclusion of Kui language in 8th schedule will help in the preservation, promotion and propagation of this language and associated culture.
• The recognition of this language will get a thrust hence the publication and content creation will be facilitated by this move.
• An eco-system to assist and enable research and studies of the Kui language will also be created.

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