Kolkata: Bengal govt has written to the Centre seeking inclusion of Rajbanshi and Kurmali languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and to recognise Sari Dharam and Sarna Dharam, two religions practised among the state’s adivasi populations.The state govt said a significant portion of the state’s population speaks Rajbanshi and Kurmali languages and they should be recognised in consideration of the aspirations of these marginalised linguistic communities.
On the two religions, the state govt said their recognition was linked with the sentiments and emotions of adivasi communities.In her letter to the Union home secretary, state chief secretary Nandini Chakravorty said the recognition would ensure upholding constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and protection of minority rights.Subhendu Mahato, general secretary of Purbanchal Adivasi Kurmi Samaj, welcomed the Bengal govt’s move, adding that inclusion of their language in the Eighth Schedule and recognition of their Sarna Dharam were long-standing demands of the Kurmi community.
