INCLUSION OF LINGUISTIC MINORITIES IN EDUCATION: THE INDIAN DILLEMA

This paper examines the provision for inclusion of linguistic minorities in India by presenting an overview of the existing linguistic diversity in India and the historical background that has contributed to the present diversity. It also examine s the National Language Policy and the States Re - organisation which have contributed to the political identification of majority - minority linguistic groups. In addition to this it also outlines the Constitutional rights and safeguards guaranteed by the Con stitution. What lies at the core of Indian Constitution is that all communities should co - exist as equals despite cultural backgrounds. But, just by granting equality to people would by no means solve the problem. The minority communities needed special Co nstitutional rights to lead a life of liberty in order to follow and to protect their own cultural identity For instance, the minority religious communities and linguistic minority communities needed liberty and protection to follow their own religious pra ctices and beliefs and to promote their identity through their respective languages. Therefore the Constitution linked “equality for the individual with equality for diverse communities