The Constitution of India has recently been translated into the Ol Chiki script. This marks the first time that this significant document has been transformed into this particular writing system. The Ol Chiki script is also recognized by several other names such as Ol Chemetʼ, Ol Ciki, and Ol. Predominantly, it is used as the official writing system for the Santhali language, an Austroasiatic medium that has official status in India.
Implications of the Constitutional Translation
India’s Constitution holds unique provisions specifically designed for Scheduled Castes and Tribes’ progress. The recent translation into Ol Chiki script facilitates a deeper understanding of laws, powers, and fundamental rights within the Santhali community. The surname ‘Hembram’, common among the Santhal tribals, has been frequently cited to illustrate this context.
Adivasi scholars cite the Constitution’s Article 21 under Schedules V and VI frequently. This article lays down tribal peoples’ rights to development while upholding their autonomy and dignity. It’s widely acknowledged as the Adivasi rights foundation.
Schedule V and VI explained
Understanding what Schedules V and VI entail is essential. The former deals with administering and controlling the areas scheduled along with housing the Scheduled Tribes in any state except Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. On the other hand, Schedule VI handles the administration of tribal regions in the previously mentioned states, safeguarding these states’ tribal population rights. These special provisions have their foundation in Article 244(2) and Article 275(1) of the Indian Constitution.
Inclusion of the Santali Language in the Constitution
In 2003, the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act included Santhali in Schedule VIII of the Indian Constitution. This vital schedule lists out the official languages of India. Alongside Santhali, Bodo, Dogri, and Maithili languages also received official status. This addition obligated the Indian government to work towards the Santali language’s development. It also opened doors for aspiring students to opt for the language during school-level exams and entrances for public service jobs.
Santali Speaking Population
The 2011 Census of India reports that over 70 lakh people across India communicate in Santali. Apart from India, this community is also spread across Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Within the Indian territory, Santhals represent the largest scheduled tribe in Jharkhand based on population. They also inhabit Assam, Tripura, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal.
Insights into The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution
The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution lists the official languages of the Republic of India. Articles 343-351 in Part XVII of the Indian Constitution handle the official languages.
Article 344(1) enables the President to constitute a Commission on expiration of five years from the Constitution’s commencement. Meanwhile, Article 351 promotes the spread of the Hindi language to foster unity in India’s diverse culture.
It’s noteworthy that the specific criteria for a language’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule isn’t rigidly defined. The schedule originally included 14 languages. Sindhi was the first addition through the 21st Amendment Act of 1967. Later, the 71st Amendment Act of 1992 brought Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali under this schedule. The most recent additions came with the 92nd Amendment Act of 2003, which included Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali.
While the translation of the Constitution to Ol Chiki script might seem like a small step, it signifies a significant milestone for the Santali speaking population, allowing them to interpret their rights better.
