Darbhanga, Aug 16: Euologising the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Mithila region of Bihar, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today said the NDA government at the Centre was committed to including Maithili language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution. The NDA government was irrevocably committed to including Maithili language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution as promised by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Advani said amid thunderous applause by the crowds at a public meeting on the Raj Maidan here after the foundation laying ceremony of a DD Metro transmitter and inauguration of the daily Maithili news bulletin by the All India Radio. Extolling the glorious cultural and religious heritage of Mithila, he said, '' I am happy and full of pride to visit the land of Sita after having paid my obeisance at Ayodhya, the land of Ram, some time ago. I feel great. I am thrilled to be in the land of Vidyapati, a Sanskrit scholar, who made great contribution to Bengali and Maithili literature''.

Advani, in his brief speech, however, felt sorry for the economic condition of the people in the Mithila region saying, '' I am astonished how the people of this culturally rich region are bereft of the fruits of development. No schools, no hospitals, no public amenities. ''Mithila and Bihar, like many regions of the country are poor. The talented people from Bihar have made a mark across the globe, but I feel sorry when I find that fruits of development haven't reached the common man here''.

Bureau Report