‘Recognition for Khasi language a State government prerogative’

SHILLONG: “The Meghalaya Government should try to impress the Centre on the need to include the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution since recognition for any language is the prerogative of the respective State government,” observed Sahitya Academy President Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari.
Speaking to newsmen here on Tuesday, Tiwari said that the legislators of the State should join hands with the State government to organize a strong movement for this cause.
“It is very important that this matter get the attention of the Centre” Tiwari said, while noting that since it was the case of the North Eastern region, the inclusion of the language would be accorded priority.
Earlier, Sahitya Akademi member and Principal of St. Edmund’s College, Sylvanus Lamare, called for a mass movement to get Khasi language included in the Eighth Schedule.
Lamare stated that a mass movement that should ideally include the general public, students’ union and the church would help the Khasi language to get the recognition it deserved.
Meanwhile, the Akademi, which is celebrating its 60th Anniversary, organised a function here at the U Soso Tham Auditorium to present the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar 2014 Award to 21 writers from across the country, including five from the North East region.