The scheme for protection and preservation of endangered languages of India (SPPEL) was initiated in 2013 by the Ministry of Education. The aim of the scheme is “to document and archive the country’s languages that have become endangered or likely to be endangered in the near future.”
Currently, languages that are spoken by less than 10,000 speakers or languages that are not linguistically studied earlier are mainly considered to be documented in this scheme. 117 languages have been listed for the documentation. In the coming years, about 500 lesser known languages are estimated to be documented. Documentation of languages will take place by creating grammar, dictionary and ethno-linguistic profiles.
Aspirants who are preparing for UPSC CSE can refer to the links given in the table below.
Who monitors the SPPEL?
The scheme for protection and preservation of endangered languages of India (SPPEL) is monitored by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), which is located in Mysore, Karnataka.
Overview of Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysore
- It was established on 17th July 1969.
- It advises the Central government and State governments in matters associated with language.
- Objectives:
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- To develop all Indian languages by creating content and corpus.
- To protect and document minority, minor and tribal Languages in India.
Other Schemes to Protect Endangered Languages
Two initiatives were introduced by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for the protection of endangered languages. They are:
- Funding Support to the State Universities for Study and Research in Indigenous and Endangered languages in India
- Establishment of Centres for Endangered Languages in Central Universities
Allocation of Funds for the Schemes for Protection of Endangered Indian languages
A sum of Rs.45.89 crores was released by the CIIL and University Grants Commission (UGC) under their scheme/initiatives for protection of endangered Indian languages during the years 2015-16 to 2019-20. The break-up of the total amount allocated for various schemes is given below:
|
Break-up of the Total Amount Allocated for for Protection of Endangered Indian Languages |
||
| S.No. | Name of the Initiative/Scheme |
Amount (in Rs) |
| 1 | Centres for Endangered languages to Central Universities (UGC) | Rs.26.10 crore |
| 2 | Funding support to State Universities (UGC) | 10.35 crore |
| 3 | SPPEL (CIIL) | Rs.9.44 crore |
