Centre still examining inclusion of Tulu, Kodava in 8th Schedule

coastaldigest.com news network

July 22, 2017

New Delhi, Jul 22: An internal committee of the Home Ministry is looking into inclusion of Tulu and Kodava languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, according to the union government.

Responding to a private member’s bill moved by B K Hariprasad (Congress), Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiran Rijiju told the Rajya Sabha on Friday that the official panel tasked to come out with the objective criterion on inclusion of more languages in the Schedule.

The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution is currently recognises 22 languages while cases are pending for 16 other languages including Tulu and Kodava. Two previous expert panels, Pahwa Committee in 1996 and Sitakanta Mohapatra Committee in 2003, could not conclusively form the criteria to decide on inclusion of other languages in the Eighth Schedule.

Rijiju said the Union government had now set up a panel, headed by an additional secretary rank officer with members from the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Department of Personnel and Training, Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysuru and the Sahitya Akademi to come up with a concrete solution.

The issue had come up in the Upper House in April too when the Congress member Oscar Fernandes even sang a few lines in Tulu after he was prompted by his colleague Jairam Ramesh.

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Skyward Bound: Mangaluru Eyes Permanent Wings for Coastal Tourism

News Network

January 16,2026

Following a record-breaking response to experimental joyrides during the Karavali Utsava, the Dakshina Kannada district administration has signaled a major shift toward high-end travel. Officials are now laying the groundwork to transform Mangaluru into a permanent heli-tourism hub, connecting the state’s most sacred pilgrim centers and untouched coastal gems via the skies.

The move comes as the Karnataka government readies a specialized tourism policy for the coast, aimed at drawing global investors. With Mangaluru already serving as a critical nexus for education, healthcare, and maritime trade, the introduction of a scheduled helicopter service is seen as the "missing link" in the region’s economic evolution.

By the Numbers: A Flying Success

The data from the recent 10-day trial (beginning December 26) paints a clear picture of high demand:

•   Total Passengers: 1,032
•   Ride Duration: 7 minutes
•   Ticket Price: ₹3,500 per person
•   Origin of Tourists: Significant turnout from Kerala, Udupi, and Karwar.

Bridging the Gap for Global Travelers

Deputy Commissioner Darshan HV emphasized that the vision extends far beyond festival joyrides. Currently, international tourists arriving via luxury cruises at the New Mangalore Port (peak season December–April) often find themselves "landlocked" by time.

"Foreign visitors staying for just 24 to 48 hours currently struggle to visit inland attractions like Chikkamagaluru or Kodagu due to road travel times," a senior official noted. "A permanent heli-link would make these Western Ghats destinations accessible in under 30 minutes."

Beyond Tourism: Medical and Logistics

The administration is also looking at the humanitarian and logistical benefits. As a medical powerhouse, Mangaluru’s private hospitals could utilize the proposed permanent helipads for:

1.   Cardiac Emergencies: Rapid transfer of critical patients.
2.   Organ Transplants: Vital "green corridors" through the air to save lives.
3.   Regional Connectivity: Linking remote areas like Puttur, Sullia, and Beltangady to the main city.

While the Karavali Utsava has traditionally focused on beach-side festivities, the DC confirmed that the district is now evaluating formal proposals from private operators. The goal is to establish a network of permanent helipads that will eventually offer regular sorties to Kudremukh National Park and the scenic heights of the Western Ghats.

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