Resolution passed after deliberation in the All India Conference of Santals on 8th and 9th February 2003 at Balasore, Orissa

1. There is a need to strengthen the social institutions and towards its realization, in addition to involvement, every member of the community should provide monetary contribution. Social organizations and individuals should be responsive in order to foster communication keeping community interest in mind;

2. Government of India and other State Governments should continue to pursue the policy of positive discrimination and extend its application to the Private Sector also;

3. Santali an independent language spoken by over 6 million people which is more than some of the languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, has a writing script "Ol Chiki", has rich literature is denied a place in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Government of India should immediately take action for its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India on merit;

4. The Opposition and other Hon'ble Members of the Parliament should be approached to introduce a Private Bill in the Parliament for inclusion of Santali in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution in the absence of initiative from Government of India;

5. All the Santal Representatives of people (MPs, MLAs, Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti Chairmen and others) should unitedly pursue the matter of inclusion of Santali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Other likeminded representatives of people should also be involved;

6. Respective State Govts. where majority Santals live should provide facility for education in Santali in Ol Chiki in Schools where 25 Santal Students are enrolled along with appointment of Ol Chiki qualified teachers;

7. Competent Authority should introduce Santali as a Modern Indian Language Paper in Schools and Universities from Primary to Post Graduate level. It is in the interest of Santals to standardize Syllabus of Santali Education in different States as far as practicable to maintain education standard and homogeneity;

8. National Literacy Mission needs to include education in Santali in its scope to realize the dream of Education for All;

9. Individuals / Associations to spread awareness on the need to record religion of Santals as "SARNA";

10. Pre Matric as well as Post Matric Scholarships for SCs/STs students to be enhanced in view of the increase in the standard of living, price index and inflation;

11. A consensus needs to be arrived at for Uniform Civil Code for Santals and uniform observation of Santal festivals or festivals related to Santals' life. An Awareness Campaign should be launched at all levels;

12. Central Government as well as concerned State Governments should recognize the sanctity of Jaher (Place of Worship). Government should provide aid for the maintenance and preservation of Jaher and consider financial assistance to the members of the traditional village panchayats;

13. Daily Santali Programme from All India Radio, Kolkata has immensely influenced the life of Santals for their advancement. Government of India should approve broadcast of Daily Santali programme from Radio Stations in the States of Orissa, Jharkhand and Assam. Daily slot in the Regional Television Centres for Santali programmes should be provided to spread the richness and variety of Santal Culture;

14. The Constitutional safeguards enjoyed by the Santals of different parts of India should be extended to the Santals of Assam. Government of India and Government of Assam should take necessary steps to correct this desideratum;

15. With a view to promote Santals' Arts and Literature, there is a need to establish appropriate institutions at the Centre and in the States of Orissa, Jharkhand, Assam and West Bengal. Government of India and concerned State Governments can consider establishment of institutions similar to the Urdu Academy, Punjabi Academy and Sanskrit Academy for the promotion of Santali Language and Culture;

16. North-Orissa University at Baripada in Mayurbhanj district be named after Pandit Raghunath Murmu;

17. Guru Kunami should only be observed as per the wish of the Pandit Raghunath Murmu;

18. Pandit Raghunath Murmu Centenary Celebration year (2004-05) should be observed in a befitting manner. A National Committee should be formed for this celebration;

19. Central and concerned State Governments (viz. Jharkhand, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam and Bihar) to extend necessary help for the Centenary Celebration of Pandit Raghunath Murmu;

20. Baisakh Kunami (Full Moon day of Baisakh month) should be declared as Pandit Raghunath Murmu Birth Day holiday.