New Delhi: There are 3,372 languages in India and only 216 are spoken by a group of 10,000 persons or more, Rajya Sabha was informed today (Dec 13, 2004).

As per the Census of India, 1991, there are 1,576 classified and 1,796 unclassified languages and out of these 10,000 persons or more speak only 216 languages, Culture Minister Jaipal Reddy said during Question Hour.

In reply to a query, he assured the House that the Government would take steps for development of Marwari language

Minorities Commission: The Government has decided to accord Constitutional status to the National Commission for Minorities.

It will be necessary to introduce two Bills to repeal the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 and to amend the Constitution to grant Constitutional status to the Commission.

The Bills will be introduced as soon as possible, Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar said.