February 9, 2023
Shanta Chhetri’s Zero Hour mention on February 9, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha on the demand for the inclusion of Lepcha language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution
Khaamree mo, Sir. In Lepcha language, it means namaskar. Thank you, Sir, for allowing me to speak. I would like to draw the kind attention of this august House that Lepcha is a Himalayish language spoken by the Lepcha people in Sikkim, and parts of West Bengal, namely, in Darjeeling and Kalimpong. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) lists Lepcha as an endangered language. The Lepcha language is spoken in Sikkim and in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal. The 1991 Indian Census counted 39,342 speakers of Lepcha. Lepcha is considered to be one of the indigenous languages of the areas in which it is spoken. The Lepcha people have their own indigenous script. I humbly urge the august House to draw the kind attention of the hon. Prime Minister to include the long-pending demand of the Lepcha people, to include their language in the Eighth Schedule. This will ensure preservation and growth of the rich language. Taokchhyee mo, Sir. That means, thank you.
