Mizoram Assembly adopts fresh resolution seeking inclusion of Mizo in Eighth Schedule

The Mizoram Assembly on Monday unanimously adopted a fresh resolution urging the Centre to include the Mizo language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India , renewing a long-standing demand more than three decades after the state first moved a similar proposal.

Moving the resolution in the House, School Education Minister Vanlalthlana said the demand for recognition of the language has received broad support across the socio-political spectrum of Mizoram . He clarified that the latest resolution does not replace the earlier one adopted on March 23, 1991, but aims to strengthen the state’s voice and press the demand before the Centre with renewed urgency.

The minister said inclusion of Mizo in the Eighth Schedule would bring several benefits. The language, which serves as the “lingua franca” among various Mizo tribes, would gain wider national recognition and institutional support.

The demand seeks inclusion of the Mizo language in the Eighth Schedule, which would allow its use in the Parliament of India , enable candidates to write the Civil Services Examination (India) language papers and essay in Mizo, and boost research, translation, broadcasting and employment opportunities through institutions such as the Sahitya Akademi .

Vanlalthlana also said recognition would promote literary development and expand translation of Mizo works into other Indian languages through national bodies like the National Translation Mission and the National Book Trust. It would also create demand for translators and interpreters in Parliament and allow national broadcasters like All India Radio and Doordarshan to expand programming in the language.

He noted that about 38 languages across the country are currently seeking inclusion in the Eighth Schedule, which presently recognises 22 languages.

The resolution received backing from major civil society organisations, including the Young Mizo Association , as well as ethnic bodies representing Chakma and Bru communities, reflecting rare unity on the linguistic issue.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Leader of the Opposition Lalchhandama Ralte took part in the discussion before the House adopted the resolution unanimously after deliberations by members from the ruling Zoram People’s Movement and opposition parties including the Mizo National Front , Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party .

So far, there has been no official reaction or discussion on the latest resolution in the Parliament of India .

The Mizo language was declared the official language of Mizoram in 1974.