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PROF. SAIFUDDIN SOZ (BARAMULLA): Sir, Kashmiri language has been included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India. This position remained on records but adequate efforts have not been made to promote Kashmiri not only as a regional language but as mother-tongue for more than 45 lakh people.

There was a plan for translating the Constitution of India into all languages included in the Eighth Schedule. Initially, rupee one crore sanctioned for this purpose was released to the States concerned in 1960 except for Jammu and Kashmir. As a result, the Constitution of India has been translated into all languages except Kashmiri. Even the project is nearing completion for Nepali and Konkani languages.

I urge upon the Law Minister to release necessary funds at the earliest for this purpose. The Sahitya Academy and the Jammu and Kashmir Cultural Academy can make proper selection of Kashmiri writers to undertake this project and implement it successfully. If the discrimination against the Kashmiri language is not removed within a month, it will be difficult for me to make a positive contribution in the House with a hurt feeling in my mind.