Is Rs 16.97 crore allocated for the preservation of 11 classical languages in 2025-26?
Synopsis
The Indian government has earmarked Rs 16.97 crore for 2025-26 to enhance and safeguard 11 classical languages. This significant investment reflects a commitment to cultural heritage and linguistic diversity. With initiatives like Gyan Bharatam, the government aims to digitize and preserve ancient manuscripts while fostering future generations' appreciation of India's rich linguistic legacy.
Key Takeaways
The government has allocated Rs 16.97 crore for preserving 11 classical languages .
Classical languages include Tamil , Sanskrit , Telugu , and others.
Bangla is the most spoken classical language, while Sanskrit has the fewest speakers.
The Gyan Bharatam initiative aims to digitize 7.5 lakh manuscripts .
The initiative supports the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 .
New Delhi, Feb 2 (NationPress) The government has allocated a budget of Rs 16.97 crore for the years 2025-26 aimed at the promotion and preservation of 11 classical languages, as stated by Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a formal response in Lok Sabha on Monday.
According to the Minister, the Sanskrit language is supported through three Central Universities: Central Sanskrit University in New Delhi, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University also in New Delhi, and National Sanskrit University located in Tirupati.
The Minister recognized the following 11 classical languages: Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, Assamese, Bangla, Pali, and Prakrit.
Among these, Odia, Marathi, Assamese, Bangla, Pali, and Prakrit were officially recognized as classical languages in 2024.
Currently, Bangla stands out as the most widely spoken classical language, with approximately 9.72 crore speakers, while Sanskrit is the least spoken, with just 24,000 speakers.
The Minister referenced the Census of India 2011 (Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India), indicating that Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, and Tamil are the five most spoken languages in the nation.
In a separate response, the Minister elaborated on Gyan Bharatam, a flagship initiative introduced during the Union Budget 2025-26, designed to discover, protect, and preserve India’s extensive manuscript heritage.
Over 7.5 lakh manuscripts have been digitized under Gyan Bharatam, with 1.29 lakh manuscripts accessible on the Gyan Bharatam Portal, he noted.
This initiative aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, seeking to integrate cultural preservation with human capital development, ensuring that India’s ancient wisdom continues to enlighten future generations, he added.
To back this initiative, the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) has approved Rs 491.66 crore for the period 2025-2031. The focus of this initiative encompasses five key areas: Survey and Cataloguing, Conservation and Capacity Building, Technology and Digitisation, Linguistics and Translation, and Research, Publication, and Outreach, he explained.
Gyan Bharatam is tasked with the establishment of a nationwide network of Cluster Centres (CCs) and Independent Centres (ICs) throughout the country.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the government's initiative as a significant step towards preserving India's linguistic heritage. By allocating funds for classical languages, the government not only honors our cultural diversity but also ensures that future generations appreciate and engage with these languages. The integration of technology in preserving manuscripts is commendable and aligns with a broader vision for a culturally enriched future.
NationPress
29 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the budget sanctioned for classical languages?
The government has sanctioned a budget of Rs 16.97 crore for the promotion and preservation of 11 classical languages in 2025-26.
What are the 11 classical languages recognized?
The 11 classical languages are Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Marathi, Assamese, Bangla, Pali, and Prakrit.
Which languages were recognized as classical languages in 2024?
Odia, Marathi, Assamese, Bangla, Pali, and Prakrit were recognized as classical languages in 2024.
What is the Gyan Bharatam initiative?
Gyan Bharatam is a flagship initiative aimed at safeguarding and digitizing India's manuscript heritage, with over 7.5 lakh manuscripts digitized so far.
What is the vision behind Gyan Bharatam?
The initiative aligns with the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, focusing on harmonizing cultural preservation with human capital development.
