SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly passed the new government resolution replacing the old one to include the Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
The new government resolution was passed during the one-day special session held on Tuesday and replaced the previous one which was passed during the Autumn Session on September 27.
The September 27 resolution had mentioned the hurdles for Khasi-Garo language recognition as the languages are not the medium of instruction in educational institutions and that there is no recognised body like Sahitya Sabha or Akademi.
However, the new resolution makes it clear that Khasi and Garo are medium of instruction at the Higher Secondary level and even higher education.
Secondly, as far as the issue of Sahitya Sabha is concerned, the Khasi Authors’ Society and Achik Literature Society have been working for the promotion of languages in line with Sahitya Sabhas of other states.
With the passing of the resolution, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly has unanimously resolved to urge upon the Centre to initiate necessary measures, as early as possible, to bring forward the official bill to amend the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution giving recognition to Khasi and Garo languages.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma while moving the resolution said none of the languages from Meghalaya have been considered for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
According to him, the Khasi and Garo languages are to be preserved and protected even as he pointed out that the two languages have fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
He said it has been found the government could improve and make the resolution stronger, which prompted the government to come up with a fresh resolution which is more comprehensive.
Stating that the agenda has been discussed together considering views and suggestions of various stakeholders, Conrad said the resolution includes all aspects and therefore the government decided to amend the earlier one and make the resolution stronger.
Single resolution to bring unity
However, Sangma said he was clear that two separate resolutions for Khasi and Garo languages should not be sent.
“We cannot have two separate resolutions for Khasi and Garo. The resolution should be together to send a message of unity and equality to the Government of India,” he remarked.
He went on to say that the Centre will exercise its mind on which language would be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and “in no way, will this affect the other language,” Conrad said.
Stating that there have been flip-flops as the government had to rectify the first resolution, Leader of Opposition and Congress MLA Mukul Sangma said the government does not have a team of dedicated officers.
The government should come up with a team of dedicated officers to work on the language resolution”, he said.
He said all necessary support to literature societies and other bodies should be given so that the objective is fructified.
Congress MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh applauded the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages.
She said, “When it comes to languages, we are on the same page. We shall fight on the same plane.”
The government of the day should include all political parties when a need arises for common voice, approach and platform. This resolution is the new face of modern Meghalaya,” she added.
Stating that he had mentioned the role of Khasi Authors’ Society (KAS) and A’chik Literature Society (ALS) during the discussion on the first resolution on the matter, UDP associate member SK Sunn requested the government to officially recognise the two organisations as autonomous bodies and provide fund in line with Sahitya Akademi.
KHNAM member Adelbert Nongrum supported the resolution but added that it should not be seen as an election promise.
