Parliament Question: Released literary works in classical languages

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4194 ANSWERED ON 01.04.2026 Released literary works in classical languages 4194 Shri Ashokrao Shankarrao Chavan: Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has recently released 55 literary works in classical Indian languages including Tamil, Odia, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada and Indian Sign Language; (b) if so, the details thereof and the objectives and significance of this initiative in promoting linguistic diversity and preservation of classical languages in the country; (c) whether Government has any long-term plan to encourage creation, translation and dissemination of literature in classical and lesser-used Indian languages including Indian Sign Language and if so, the details thereof; and (d) whether Government proposes to provide any financial assistance and future roadmap in this regard and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR) (a) to (d): The Government has undertaken several initiatives for the preservation, promotion and development of Classical languages and other Indian languages through dedicated institutions and academic programmes. Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, a subordinate office under the Ministry of Education, undertakes research, documentation, propagation, teaching, protection and preservation of all Indian languages. The Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), Chennai, an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Education, undertakes activities relating to research, preservation and dissemination of Classical Tamil.Government has recently released 55 literary works which includes translations, research and publication in Indian Classical languages. Out of these 55 literary works, 41 literary volumes developed by Centre of Excellence for Classical Kannada (CESCK), Centre of Excellence for Classical Telugu (CESCT), Centre of Excellence for Classical Malayalam (CESCM) & Centre of Excellence for Classical Odia (CESCO) working under the aegis of CIIL, Mysuru; 13 literary volumes and one 45-episode Sign Language Interpretation series of Tirukkural, developed by CICT. These literary works are intended to enable the rich corpus of ancient scriptures, philosophical thought, scientific knowledge, literary heritage, and social discourse to transcend linguistic boundaries and reach all Indian languages, as well as diverse sections of society. In addition, CIIL also works for dissemination and development of lesser-known languages and sign languages through the Scheme for “Protection & Preservation of Endangered Languages” and “Linguistic Data Consortium for Indian Languages” (LDC-IL) respectively. Financial assistance is being given regularly since past many years for various initiatives such as organising seminars and workshops, training programmes, Junior Research Fellowships, Post-Doctoral Fellowships, translation projects and publication-related activities in classical languages. The detail of funds allocated for Tamil, Kannada, Odia, Malayalam, Telugu in year 2024-25 are as followed: Year Funds allocated (Rs. in lakhs) Tamil Kannada Odia Malayalam Telugu 2024-25 1430.00 86.00 86.00 86.00 86.00 ******