"If students turn up, we will provide additional classrooms and teachers so that the Santhali classes can be started from this academic session," School Education Minister Partho De said on Thursday.

Demanding the introduction of the language in schools, groups like All Santhali Educational and Cultural Association (ASECA) have been organising protests at various places in the Santhali-dominated districts of Pururuli, West Midnapore and Bankura.

De said that the government had consulted the ASECA and other Santhali groups over the issue. In the first phase, students of Class one to three will be admitted.

"We are building up necessary infrastructure so that when students go to higher classes they find study materials ready," said De.