President Murmu releases Constitution of India in Santhali language

On December 25, 2025, a landmark event unfolded in India's commitment to linguistic diversity and inclusive governance. President Droupadi Murmu released the first edition of the Constitution of India in the Santhali language, presented in the indigenous Ol Chiki script. This initiative is a significant step towards empowering the Santhali people, enabling them to comprehend the fundamental principles, rights, and duties enshrined in the Constitution in their native tongue. The Santhali language, recognized under the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution since 2003, is spoken by over 7.6 million people, primarily across Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Assam.

The immediate significance of this release lies in its potential to deepen democratic participation and enhance awareness of constitutional values among a significant tribal community. It underscores the Union Government's dedication to reaching the last mile, ensuring that constitutional literacy is not hindered by language barriers. For competitive examinations, this event is highly relevant, touching upon crucial aspects of Indian Polity (Eighth Schedule, official languages, constitutional amendments), Social Justice (tribal welfare, linguistic minorities), and Governance (inclusive policies, role of the President). Aspirants must understand the constitutional provisions, historical context, and multi-dimensional impacts of such initiatives.

The release of the Constitution in Santhali language is a culmination of decades of efforts towards linguistic recognition and empowerment of tribal communities in India. Understanding its historical, constitutional, and policy context is vital for a comprehensive grasp of its significance.

Historical Evolution

The Santhali language, belonging to the Austroasiatic language family, is one of the oldest and most widely spoken indigenous languages in India. Historically, Santhali was primarily an oral language. The pivotal moment for its written form came with the invention of the Ol Chiki script by Pandit Raghunath Murmu between 1925 and 1939. Murmu's vision was to provide the Santhali community with a distinct, phonetic script that accurately represented their language, fostering literacy and cultural pride. The Ol Chiki script gradually gained acceptance and was officially recognized by the Governments of West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

The demand for the inclusion of Santhali in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution was a long-standing aspiration of the community, driven by cultural identity and the desire for official recognition and promotion. This movement gained significant momentum over the years, culminating in its inclusion.

Previous Similar Events or Policies

India has a rich history of promoting its diverse linguistic heritage. The Constitution was initially translated into various scheduled languages shortly after its adoption on January 26, 1950. The government has consistently supported the translation of significant legal and administrative documents into regional languages to ensure broader accessibility. For instance, the National Translation Mission (NTM), launched in 2008 under the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, aims to translate knowledge texts from English into various Indian languages. Furthermore, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements schemes like 'Eklavya Model Residential Schools' and 'Scheme of Grant-in-Aid to Voluntary Organizations working for the Welfare of Scheduled Tribes,' which often incorporate provisions for education and cultural promotion in tribal languages.

Constitutional/Legal Framework

The Indian Constitution, through several articles and schedules, provides a robust framework for linguistic diversity and the promotion of official languages.

• Part XVII (Articles 343 to 351) deals with Official Language.
  • Article 343: Declares Hindi in Devanagari script as the Official Language of the Union, with English to continue for 15 years.
  • Article 344: Provides for a Commission and Committee of Parliament on Official Language to review the progress of Hindi's use.
  • Article 345: Empowers states to adopt any one or more of the languages in use in the State or Hindi as the official language(s) for that State.
  • Article 347: Allows the President to direct that a language officially recognized in a State be similarly recognized throughout the state if a substantial portion of the population desires it.
  • Article 350A: Mandates that every state and local authority endeavour to provide adequate facilities for instruction in the mother-tongue at the primary stage of education for children belonging to linguistic minority groups.
  • Article 350B: Provides for the appointment of a Special Officer for Linguistic Minorities by the President to investigate matters relating to safeguards provided for linguistic minorities and report to the President.
• Eighth Schedule: This schedule lists the officially recognized languages of India. Originally, it contained 14 languages. Through subsequent amendments, more languages were added:
  • 21st Amendment Act, 1967: Added Sindhi.
  • 71st Amendment Act, 1992: Added Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali.
  • 92nd Amendment Act, 2003: Added Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali. With this, the total number of languages in the Eighth Schedule increased to 22.

Policy Evolution Timeline

• 1925-1939: Pandit Raghunath Murmu invents the Ol Chiki script for Santhali.
• January 26, 1950: Constitution of India adopted with 14 languages in the Eighth Schedule.
• 1967 (21st Amendment): Sindhi added to the Eighth Schedule.
• 1992 (71st Amendment): Konkani, Manipuri, Nepali added to the Eighth Schedule.
• 2003 (92nd Amendment): Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santhali added to the Eighth Schedule. This was a critical legislative step for Santhali.
• 2008: Launch of National Translation Mission (NTM) by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL).
• 2020: National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the promotion of Indian languages, including mother tongues and regional languages, for education up to Grade 5, and preferably up to Grade 8 and beyond.
• December 25, 2025: President Droupadi Murmu releases the first edition of the Constitution of India in Santhali language (Ol Chiki script).

International Context

Internationally, the promotion of linguistic diversity and indigenous languages is a recognized human right and a goal of international organizations. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) plays a significant role in this, observing International Mother Language Day annually on February 21 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. India's initiative aligns with global efforts to protect and promote indigenous languages, reinforcing its commitment to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which advocates for the right of indigenous peoples to revitalize, use, develop, and transmit to future generations their histories, languages, oral traditions, philosophies, writing systems, and literatures.

The successful translation and release of the Constitution in Santhali involves several key stakeholders, each playing a crucial role in advocating, facilitating, and benefiting from this initiative.

Government Bodies/Ministries Involved

• President of India (Smt. Droupadi Murmu): As the Head of State and the first tribal woman President, her personal involvement in releasing the Santhali Constitution carries immense symbolic weight. Her background as a Santhal herself amplifies the message of empowerment and inclusivity for tribal communities. The President's office acts as a constitutional guardian and a symbol of national unity.
• Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India: This ministry is the primary custodian of the Constitution and is responsible for its authoritative translations. It likely oversaw the extensive process of accurate translation from English/Hindi into Santhali, ensuring fidelity to the original text. The Legislative Department within this ministry is specifically tasked with the translation of Central Acts into various Indian languages.
• Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India: This nodal ministry for the welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes played a crucial advocacy and supportive role. Its mandate includes promoting tribal culture, language, and education. Schemes under this ministry, such as 'Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana' (PMAAGY) and 'Van Dhan Yojana', indirectly benefit from increased constitutional awareness among tribal communities.
• Ministry of Education, Government of India: With the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizing education in mother tongue, this ministry has a vested interest in promoting linguistic literacy. It supports initiatives that provide educational materials in regional languages, including tribal languages.
• State Governments (Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Assam): These states have significant Santhali-speaking populations. Their respective departments of tribal welfare, education, and language play a critical role in the distribution, promotion, and integration of the Santhali Constitution into local governance and educational curricula.

Affected Communities/Sectors

• Santhali Community: This community is the primary beneficiary. With a population of over 7.6 million speakers (Census 2011), predominantly in Jharkhand (approx. 2.7 million), West Bengal (approx. 2.4 million), Odisha (approx. 0.9 million), Bihar (approx. 0.4 million), and Assam (approx. 0.2 million), the Santhali Constitution will enable them to directly engage with their fundamental rights, duties, and the democratic framework. This fosters a sense of ownership and belonging.
• Other Tribal Communities: India is home to over 700 tribal groups, constituting 8.6% of the total population (approximately 104 million people as per Census 2011). This initiative sets a precedent and raises hopes for similar translations in other tribal languages, promoting overall tribal empowerment and constitutional literacy across diverse indigenous groups.
• Linguistic Minorities: The move reinforces the constitutional commitment to protecting linguistic minorities (as per Articles 29 and 30). It builds confidence among various linguistic groups that their languages and cultural identities are valued and protected by the state.

Expert Opinions

• Linguists and Language Experts: Scholars from institutions like the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) and various universities have lauded the initiative. They highlight its importance in language preservation, revitalization, and promoting multilingualism, especially for endangered indigenous languages. They often emphasize that access to legal texts in mother tongue is crucial for genuine linguistic empowerment.
• Constitutional Experts and Legal Scholars: They view this as a significant step towards "constitutionalism from below," making the foundational document accessible to the grassroots. They argue that understanding constitutional principles in one's own language can significantly enhance access to justice and democratic participation, particularly for marginalized communities who often face barriers in navigating the legal system.
• Tribal Rights Activists and NGOs: Organizations working for tribal welfare, such as Bhasha Research and Publication Centre, often advocate for such initiatives. While praising the move, they also call for sustained efforts in distribution, awareness campaigns, and integrating constitutional education into tribal schooling, ensuring the translation truly reaches and impacts the lives of the Santhali people.

Political Positions

• Ruling Party (Bharatiya Janata Party - BJP): The BJP-led Union government will project this initiative as a key achievement under its 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' (Together, for everyone's growth, with everyone's trust) mantra, specifically highlighting its commitment to tribal welfare and inclusive development. The fact that the President herself is from the Santhal community adds a powerful narrative to this political positioning.
• Opposition Parties: While generally supportive of measures promoting linguistic diversity and tribal welfare, opposition parties might contextualize it within broader demands for greater resource allocation for tribal development, more comprehensive implementation of tribal rights acts (like PESA and FRA), and addressing socio-economic disparities faced by tribal communities. They might also advocate for similar translations into other tribal languages.

This event is a goldmine for competitive exam aspirants, offering connections across multiple subjects and papers.

UPSC Relevance:

• Prelims:
  • Potential MCQ Topics:
    • Static GK: The Eighth Schedule and its languages (number, names, latest additions), Constitutional Amendments (specifically 92nd Amendment Act, 2003), Articles related to Official Languages (343-351), Articles related to Linguistic Minorities (350A, 350B), inventor of Ol Chiki script (Pandit Raghunath Murmu), major states with Santhali population.
    • Current Affairs: Name of the President (Droupadi Murmu), date of release (December 25, 2025), language (Santhali), script (Ol Chiki).
  • Example Questions: "Which constitutional amendment added Santhali to the Eighth Schedule?", "Who among the following invented the Ol Chiki script?", "Which articles of the Indian Constitution deal with facilities for instruction in mother-tongue at the primary stage and a Special Officer for linguistic minorities, respectively?"
• Mains:
  • GS Paper I (Indian Heritage and Culture, Society):
    • Culture: Role of language in preserving cultural identity, tribal art and culture, linguistic diversity as a strength of India.
    • Society: Tribal communities in India, issues of tribal empowerment, social inclusion, challenges faced by linguistic minorities.
  • GS Paper II (Polity, Governance, Social Justice, International Relations):
    • Polity: Constitutional provisions for linguistic diversity and protection of minority languages, federalism and language policy, role of the President, constitutional morality, inclusive governance.
    • Governance: Accessibility of legal texts, ensuring constitutional literacy, administrative challenges in multi-lingual governance.
    • Social Justice: Tribal welfare policies, empowerment of marginalized sections, right to education in mother tongue (Article 350A), PESA Act (Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act, 1996), Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.
    • International Relations: India's commitment to UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), soft power projection through cultural preservation.
  • GS Paper IV (Ethics, Integrity, Aptitude):
    • Ethics: Ethical considerations of linguistic equality, empathy and compassion for marginalized communities, constitutional values (justice, liberty, equality, fraternity), integrity in governance through inclusive policies.
    • Aptitude: Understanding and addressing the needs of diverse linguistic groups in public administration.
• Essay: Broader themes that can be connected include "Linguistic Diversity: A Challenge or an Asset for India?", "Inclusive Development and the Empowerment of Tribal Communities," "The Role of Mother Tongue in Education and National Integration," "Constitutional Literacy as a Pillar of Democracy."
• Previous Year Questions: UPSC has frequently asked questions on the Eighth Schedule, tribal issues, PESA Act, FRA, and the role of linguistic states in India. For instance, questions on the significance of the 92nd Amendment or challenges faced by Scheduled Tribes are common.

SSC/Banking Relevance:

• Current Affairs Section Importance: This topic is highly relevant for direct current affairs questions. Expect questions like: "Who released the Constitution in Santhali language?", "In which script is the Santhali Constitution published?", "When was Santhali added to the Eighth Schedule?".
• Static GK Connections:
  • Number of scheduled languages (22).
  • Names of languages in the Eighth Schedule.
  • Constitutional articles related to official languages.
  • The President of India.
  • Major tribal communities and their geographical distribution.

Exam Preparation Tips:

• Key facts to memorize:
  • Date: December 25, 2025 (release date).
  • Language: Santhali.
  • Script: Ol Chiki.
  • President: Droupadi Murmu.
  • Amendment for Santhali: 92nd Amendment Act, 2003.
  • Inventor of Ol Chiki: Pandit Raghunath Murmu.
• Important abbreviations/full forms:
  • NEP: National Education Policy
  • PESA: Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act
  • FRA: Forest Rights Act
  • CIIL: Central Institute of Indian Languages
  • UNDRIP: UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
• Data points to remember:
  • Total 22 scheduled languages.
  • Santhali speakers: Over 7.6 million (Census 2011).
  • Tribal population in India: 8.6% (approx. 104 million, Census 2011).
  • Initial languages in 8th Schedule: 14.
• Cross-topic connections: Link this event to the broader theme of tribal welfare schemes (e.g., Eklavya Model Residential Schools, Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana), the National Education Policy 2020's emphasis on mother tongue education, and the concept of 'Unity in Diversity'.

The release of the Constitution in Santhali is not merely a symbolic gesture but has far-reaching implications across economic, social, political, and even environmental dimensions.

Economic Impact:

• GDP/Sector Implications: While direct GDP impact is not immediately quantifiable, enhanced constitutional literacy can indirectly boost economic participation. Empowered citizens, aware of their rights, are better positioned to access government schemes, financial services (e.g., Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana), and skill development programs. This can lead to improved human capital and productivity in tribal regions. For instance, better understanding of land rights can protect tribal communities from illegal land alienation, preserving their economic base.
• Employment Effects: Greater awareness of labour laws and minimum wages, as enshrined in the Constitution (e.g., Article 23 against forced labour, Article 39 for equal pay), can reduce exploitation of tribal labourers in unorganized sectors. This can lead to more equitable employment practices and potentially higher wages, thereby improving livelihoods.
• Fiscal Implications: The cost of translation, printing, and distribution of the Constitution in Santhali would have been borne by the Union Government, likely through the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. While an initial expenditure, the long-term benefits of an informed citizenry can lead to more efficient governance, reduced social friction, and better utilization of public resources, potentially yielding fiscal savings.
• Industry/Business Effects: The initiative can spur growth in local publishing industries, content creation, and digital platforms catering to the Santhali language. This creates economic opportunities for Santhali writers, translators, educators, and media professionals, fostering a vibrant local economy in tribal areas.

Social Impact:

• Communities Affected: The Santhali community, spread across Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Assam, will experience a significant boost in self-esteem and cultural pride. Reading the nation's foundational document in their mother tongue reinforces their identity and sense of belonging to the larger Indian fabric. It bridges the gap between the state and its indigenous citizens.
• Rights/Welfare Implications: Access to the Constitution in their own language directly empowers Santhali people to understand their Fundamental Rights (Articles 14-32), Directive Principles of State Policy (Articles 36-51), and Fundamental Duties (Article 51A). This awareness is critical for demanding justice, advocating for their rights, and protecting themselves from exploitation and discrimination. It can also lead to better engagement with legal aid services and local governance bodies.
• Gender/Minority Considerations: Tribal women, often facing multiple layers of marginalization due to gender and ethnicity, stand to benefit significantly. Understanding their rights related to education, property, protection against violence, and political participation can empower them to assert their agency and contribute more effectively to community development. The initiative promotes a more inclusive society where linguistic minorities feel valued and protected.

Political Ramifications:

• Governance Implications: An informed citizenry is a cornerstone of robust democracy. When tribal communities understand the Constitution, they can participate more effectively in local self-governance institutions, particularly Gram Sabhas under the PESA Act, 1996. This leads to more transparent, accountable, and participatory governance at the grassroots level. It reduces the information asymmetry between citizens and the state.
• Policy Direction Changes: This initiative sets a powerful precedent, indicating a clear policy direction towards greater linguistic inclusivity. It may encourage the government to translate more official documents, laws, and public service information into other tribal and regional languages. It reinforces the spirit of NEP 2020, which advocates for education in mother tongue.
• International Relations Angle: This move enhances India's image on the global stage as a nation committed to protecting indigenous rights and promoting linguistic diversity. It aligns with international human rights standards and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, showcasing India's soft power and cultural diplomacy.

Environmental Considerations:

• Sustainability Aspects: Empowered tribal communities, with a deeper understanding of their constitutional and statutory rights (e.g., under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, which recognizes community forest resource rights), are better equipped to protect their traditional territories and natural resources. This can lead to more sustainable resource management practices, drawing upon indigenous knowledge systems, and resisting unsustainable development projects that threaten their environment.
• Climate Change Connections: Indigenous communities often possess invaluable traditional ecological knowledge crucial for climate change adaptation and mitigation. By understanding their rights and legal protections, they can better advocate for their role in environmental governance and contribute to climate resilience strategies, ensuring their traditional practices are respected and integrated.
• Natural Resource Implications: Awareness of laws related to forest produce, mining, and land acquisition can help tribal communities negotiate fair terms, prevent illegal exploitation of their natural resources, and ensure benefit-sharing, thereby safeguarding their livelihoods and ecological heritage.

The release of the Constitution in Santhali is a significant milestone, but its true impact will depend on sustained efforts and careful monitoring.

Short-term Developments (Next 3-6 months)

• Distribution and Accessibility: The immediate focus will be on the wide and equitable distribution of the Santhali Constitution across Santhali-speaking regions, including remote tribal villages. This will involve collaboration between central and state governments, local administrations, and NGOs.
• Awareness Campaigns: Extensive awareness campaigns, possibly through local media, community gatherings (Gram Sabhas), and educational institutions, will be crucial to inform the community about the availability and significance of the document.
• Integration into Education: State education departments might begin integrating excerpts or simplified versions of the Santhali Constitution into primary and secondary school curricula, especially in tribal schools, in line with NEP 2020.
• Demand for Other Translations: This initiative is likely to spur renewed demands from other tribal and linguistic minority groups for similar translations of the Constitution and other important legal documents into their respective languages.

Long-term Policy Implications (1-2 years)

• Enhanced Constitutional Literacy: Over the long term, this initiative is expected to significantly improve constitutional literacy among the Santhali community, leading to more informed citizens and greater participation in democratic processes.
• Strengthening Multilingualism: It reinforces India's commitment to its multilingual fabric and may lead to a more comprehensive policy framework for promoting and preserving all 22 scheduled languages, and potentially other significant tribal languages not yet in the Eighth Schedule.
• Inclusive Governance Model: The success of this initiative could serve as a blueprint for a broader strategy of inclusive governance, where information and services are made accessible in local languages, reducing barriers for marginalized communities.
• Impact on Justice Delivery: Greater constitutional awareness can lead to better access to justice, reduced instances of rights violations, and more effective engagement with the legal system by tribal communities.

Related Upcoming Events/Deadlines/Summits

• Budgetary Allocations: Future Union and State budgets may see increased allocations for linguistic development, tribal welfare, and translation projects.
• National Education Policy 2020 Implementation: Continued focus on the implementation of NEP 2020's provisions regarding mother tongue education across all states.
• UN International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples (August 9): This event could be used to highlight India's efforts in promoting indigenous languages and rights.
• State-level Language Policies: State governments with significant tribal populations might review and update their language policies to align with this central initiative.

Areas Requiring Monitoring for Exam Updates

• Impact Assessment: Any official reports or studies assessing the impact of the Santhali Constitution on literacy rates, political participation, and awareness of rights within the community.
• New Translation Projects: Announcements regarding similar translation projects for other scheduled or non-scheduled tribal languages.
• Government Schemes: Evolution of existing or introduction of new government schemes aimed at promoting constitutional literacy or linguistic diversity among tribal communities.
• Technological Integration: How technology (e.g., mobile apps, digital versions, audiobooks) is utilized to further disseminate the Santhali Constitution and other legal information.
• Judicial Pronouncements: Any significant court rulings related to linguistic rights or the implementation of Article 350A/350B.