A representative team of various Santali organisations on Monday demanded that the State Government take immediate efforts to give minority status to Santali-speaking people. Members belonging to the All India Santali Writers’ Association, Baripada Santali Academy and Adivasi Samajika Shaikshika and Sanskrutika Sangh and Kendra Sahitya Academy’s Santali literature Convenor submitted a memorandum to Sports, Youth Services and Tribal Welfare Minister Sudam Marandi in this regard and later discussed with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on the issue.

Besides, the team also demanded that the State Government establish a Santali Academy in order to promote Santali language, literature and culture. During discussion, the members apprised the Minister that the Union Government has already included Santali language in the 8 th Schedule of the Constitution since 2003. Santali script ‘Alachiki’ has been accepted by all and the West Bengal and Jharkhand Government have adopted the Santali language as their second State language. Besides, Santali language and literature have been introduced as optional subjects in the UPSC examinations. They further informed that the Kendra Sahitya Academy has already recognised Santali languages and awarded some Santali litterateurs.

“Over seven lakh Santali-speaking people are currently residing in Odisha. Hence, an academy should be established to promote their language and literature,” the members told the Minister. later, the Minister took the team to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and placed their demands before him.

Among others, MlAs Bhadab Hansda, Saiba Sushil Kumar Hansda, Mangal Singh Modi, and Kendra Sahitya Academy awarded Jadumani Besra, Gangadhar Hansda, Dr Damayanti Besra, Ho Samaja president Narayan Hembram, Adivasi Samajika Shaikshika and Sanskrutika Sanga advisor Udayanath Majhi, Surai Hembram, Arjun Marndi, laxmidhar Marndi, Santali Syllabus Committee president Sundarmohan Soren, Santal Mahasabha secretary  Tahasildar Hansda discussed with the Chief Minister.