Which languages were added to the Eighth Schedule by the 71^st Amendment Act, 1992?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

RRB NTPC Graduate Level CBT-I Official Paper (Held On: 09 Jun, 2025 Shift 1)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali.

Key Points

The 71st Amendment Act of 1992 added three languages—Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali—to the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
The Eighth Schedule initially included 14 languages, but subsequent amendments increased the number to the current total of 22.
These three languages were added to recognize and promote linguistic diversity and cultural heritage in India.
The amendment reflects the government's commitment to safeguarding minority languages and ensuring their representation in governance and education.
With the inclusion of these languages, the Eighth Schedule serves as a framework for developing official language policies at both the state and national levels.

Additional Information

Eighth Schedule of the Constitution:
- The Eighth Schedule lists the languages recognized by the Constitution of India for official purposes.
- It originally included 14 languages, but subsequent amendments have expanded the list to 22 languages.
- Languages included in the Eighth Schedule are eligible for development under the aegis of the government.
71st Amendment Act, 1992:
- It was enacted by the Parliament of India to amend the Constitution.
- The primary purpose was to include Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali in the Eighth Schedule.
- This amendment underscores the importance of linguistic diversity in India's multicultural society.
Significance of Scheduled Languages:
- Scheduled languages receive recognition and support for their preservation and development.
- They play a vital role in governance, education, and cultural identity.
- Languages in the Eighth Schedule can be used for official communication at the state and central levels.
Linguistic Amendments in India:
- India has witnessed multiple constitutional amendments to recognize and support regional languages.
- For example, Sindhi was added by the 21st Amendment Act in 1967, and Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santali were added by the 92nd Amendment Act in 2003.
- These amendments reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of India's linguistic landscape.