Bengal writes to Centre for inclusion of Rajbanshi, Kurmali in Eighth Schedule

The Government of West Bengal has formally proposed the inclusion of Rajbanshi and Kurmali languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. In a letter dated February 19, 2026, the Chief Secretary wrote to the Union Home Secretary, urging the Centre to take necessary steps to grant constitutional recognition to the two languages.

Citing its commitment to promoting widely spoken languages within the state, the government referred to the West Bengal Official Language Act, 1961, framed under Articles 345 and 348(3) of the Constitution. The Act recognises Bengali and Nepali as official languages of the state, while also acknowledging several additional official languages, including Rajbanshi and Kurmali, in specific regions.

The letter stated that a substantial and growing number of people in the state use Rajbanshi and Kurmali, and that the aspirations and cultural identity of these communities are closely tied to their languages. It noted that in several districts, more than 10 per cent of the population speaks these and other recognised languages, underlining their social and demographic significance.

Describing the demand as both just and long-standing, the state government urged the Centre to consider the sentiments of marginal linguistic communities and take appropriate action to include Rajbanshi and Kurmali in the Eighth Schedule. The proposal has now been formally submitted for consideration by the Union government.