Chhattisgarhi Linguists Meet Governor Shri Ramen Deka, Discuss Inclusion in Eighth Schedule
Committee to Be Constituted to Support Preservation, Development and Constitutional Recognition of Chhattisgarhi
Raipur, September 8, 2026/ A delegation of Chhattisgarhi linguists met Governor Shri Ramen Deka at Lok Bhavan today and discussed the inclusion of Chhattisgarhi in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, as well as measures for its preservation, promotion and development.
Chhattisgarhi Is the State’s Official Language and a Major Link Language
The linguists briefed the Governor about the antiquity of Chhattisgarhi, its rich literary tradition, grammar, dictionaries and the process of standardisation. They said that Chhattisgarhi is the official language and a major link language of the State and is spoken by nearly 1.5 crore people.
Governor Shri Deka Proposes Committee to Advance Recognition Efforts
Taking the initiative, Governor Shri Deka held a meaningful discussion on the subject and announced that a committee would be constituted to advance efforts for the development of Chhattisgarhi and its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule.
The committee will systematically compile material related to the language’s history, literature, grammar and dictionaries, along with other relevant references. Scholars and subject experts will also be consulted for information and suggestions. In this context, the Governor cited the inclusion of Assamese and Bodo in the Eighth Schedule.
Chhattisgarhi Has a Rich Literary Tradition Dating Back to the 15th Century
The linguists informed the Governor that Chhattisgarhi has a rich tradition of literary creation dating back to the 15th century. A substantial body of work is available in various genres, including poetry, narrative poetry, short stories, novels, drama, literary criticism and journalism.
The first grammar of Chhattisgarhi was prepared in 1890, while its first dictionary was compiled in 1939. The first Chhattisgarhi novel, Heeru Ke Kahini, was published in 1924. Pandit Sundarlal Sharma also published the handwritten Chhattisgarhi magazine Dularwa from prison.
They further informed the Governor that Chhattisgarhi is taught at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in universities across the State. Under the National Education Policy, the process of including the language in the curriculum for Classes 1 to 8 is also underway.
Linguists Dr. Chitraranjan Kar and Dr. Sudhir Sharma, along with Chhattisgarhi writers Shri Sheelkant Pathak and Smt. Archana Pathak, were present on the occasion.
