Sahitya Akademi hurdle for Khasi language

SHILLONG: The delay in the formation of a State Sahitya Akademi in line with the national Sahitya Akademi is one of the hurdles for recognition of Khasi language and its inclusion in the 8th Schedule to the Constitution.
The issue of Khasi language figured in the Assembly recently with the Opposition members asking the State Government to speed up steps required to be taken for the Centre to accord recognition to the language.
An official said on Saturday that after the report of the committee on Khasi language was submitted to the Political department, the matter was again forwarded to the Arts and Culture department for further follow up action.
The official said that formation of the Sahitya Akademi at the state level is a requirement for giving official recognition to Khasi language by the Centre.
The Arts and Culture department will have to fulfill the criteria before sending the necessary papers to the Centre, the official added.