Massive protest at Jantar Mantar demands inclusion of tribal ‘Ho’ language in  Eighth Schedule

Mail News Service

New Delhi, Oct 31: A massive one-day dharna (protest) was organized today at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar by the All India Ho Language Action Committee demanding the inclusion of the tribal “Ho” language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Thousands of participants from Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam gathered under the banner “Dolaburu Delhi 5.0” to raise their collective voice for constitutional recognition of their mother tongue.

According to the Committee, more than five million people across India use the ‘Ho’ language in their daily communication.

Despite its widespread use and strong cultural roots, the language has yet to receive constitutional status.

All India Ho Language Action Committee’s national working president, Sura Biruli, emphasized that the demand for constitutional recognition has been ongoing for the past three decades.

“We have repeatedly appealed to both the state and central governments. The Union home minister had earlier assured us of positive consideration, and both the Jharkhand and Odisha governments have already recommended the inclusion of Ho language to the Government of India,” Biruli said.

He added that Jharkhand has already recognized Ho as a second state language, while postgraduate education in Ho has commenced in the state. Similarly, Odisha has implemented Multilingual Education (MLE) programs where primary education is imparted in Ho, extending up to preschool and anganwadi levels.

A committee of experts led by noted scholar Sitakant Mahapatra has already recommended the inclusion of Ho language in the Eighth Schedule.

Several Members of Parliament from both ruling and opposition parties have raised this demand in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha sessions multiple times.

“It is truly unfortunate that such a large tribal population continues to be denied constitutional protection for their mother tongue,” said Biruli, adding that several languages with much smaller populations and limited literary development have already been granted Eighth Schedule status.

He further asserted, “Recognition of the Ho language will not only preserve and promote its literature and cultural heritage but will also strengthen India’s linguistic diversity and tribal identity.”