Imphal, February 21, 2010: On the occasion of observance of the "International Mother Language Day, 2010" talkers today expressed disappointment over the underdeveloped state of Manipuri language which has been included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution 10 year back in 1992. The International Mother Language Day, 2010 was observed in the state too for the first time under the aegis of the Research Forum Manipur (REFORM) with the chairman of the state Planning and Development Authority (PDA), MLA Kh Loken as chief guest of the function at Manipur Press Club, Imphal.
Manipuri language has been included in the list of scheduled languages (included in the 8th schedule by the 71st amendment of the constitution) in 1992 along with Konkarni and Nepali.
But, even after 10 year, no remarkable development in the language seen, speakers in the observance function lamented.
MLA Kh Loken said that opening of a separate department of the language which is a must for the development of the language is yet to materialize.
This hindered in development of the language.
Prof.
Jasobanta of Linguistic Department of Manipur University also while observing at underdeveloped state of the language stressed the need for standardization, modernization of the language.
This can be done with funding from the Central government has the language.has already in the list of schedule language.
State already availed Rs one crore when it was included in the 8th schedule.
A concerted effort of the people also needed, he observed adding that in the Manipuri study department of the MU out of 90 seat intake capacity only 28 came up for admission.
This indicated that people of the state are still not taking interest.
International Mother Language Day, 2010, in his key note address of the observance function, said is for the communities of the globe who had their own mother tongue or language.
UNSECO announced to observe language day on February 21 with the objective of preserving languages of the world.
Manipuris is observing the day as they have their own language, he added.