"Classical Language in India"

1)In 2004 Govt of India declared that languages that met certain requirements could be accorded the status of a "Classical Language in India"

2)Languages declared to be classical so far are -
Tami(2004)
Sanskrit(2005)
Telugu and Kannada(2008)
Malayalam(2013)

3)The Linguistic Experts' Committee, which has been constituted by the Government of India to consider demands for categorization of languages as Classical Languages, in its meeting held on July 23, 2013 has recommended Odiya to be declared as classical language

4)Odia on Thursday Feb 20,2014 became the 6th language in India to get “classical language’’ status after the UPA II Union Cabinet conceded a long-pending demand for putting it in the same league as -

• Tami(2004)
• Sanskrit(2005)
• Telugu and Kannada(2008)
• Malayalam(2013) 

5)Benefits

As per Government of India's Resolution No. 2-16/2004-US(Akademies) dated November 1, 2004, the benefits that will accrue to a language declared as "Classical Language" are

1. Two major international awards for scholars of eminence in Classical Indian Languages are awarded annually.
2. A 'Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Languages' is set up.
3. The University Grants Commission(UGC) be requested to create, to start with at least in the Central Universities, a certain number of Professional Chairs for Classical Languages for scholars of eminence in Classical Indian Languages