Meghalaya CM reassures to work for inclusion of Khasi, Garo languages in 8th Schedule

Conrad Sangma said that talks focusing on the issue always tops the agenda whenever he finds an opportunity to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma today once again reassured that his government is forever committed to work towards inclusion of the Khasi and Garo languages in the 8th Schedule.

Replying to a query during the ongoing Budget Session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, CM Sangma backed the state government’s action so far by stating that at least 8 letters have been sent to the Centre for it’s consideration of including both the languages in the 8th Schedule.

Conrad Sangma further said that talks focusing on the issue always tops the agenda whenever he finds an opportunity to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Sangma in his reply in the House said, “After the December 7 resolution that was passed, as I had mentioned on May 15, 2019, 20th May 2019, 21st August 2019, 23rd October 2019, 16th January 2020, 25th July 2020, 30th October 2023 and 31st October 2023, continuously we have been following up with GoI and whenever we sent these letter, we try to physically meet the Home Minister and in every occasion he comes to Shillong or we get an opportunity to meet him, inclusion of Khasi and Garo language is there always in our discussion. So we are pursuing the matter, yes I understand the sentiments of the people of the state and we are all with this demand, the entire House in 2018 had unanimously passed this resolution and the passing of the resolution is the clear indication of our strong commitment.”

However, CM Sangma maintained that the matter is in the hands of the Centre and it will take the final call.
“This is a matter that is at the GoI’s disposal and the MHA will have to take the decision,” Sangma said.
There are a lot of other languages that are being pushed to be included in the 8th schedule but in Meghalaya’s case it is a government bill which is there. This is not case matter for other states, hence Meghalaya’s case for inclusion is much stronger.

It may be mentioned here that in September 2018, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly passed a resolution urging the Central Government to include both Garo and Khasi languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The 8th Schedule of the Constitution deals with the official languages of India. Currently there are 22 languages recognized in the 8th Schedule.

Also Read: Meghalaya: Big setback for Congress, 2 sitting and 1 ex-MDC jump ship to NPP

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