SHILLONG, Feb 8: The Khasi Authors’ Society (KAS) has reiterated its demand to make Khasi one of the official languages of Meghalaya.
Speaking to media persons, KAS president, DRL Nonglait, said they had already submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, requesting the recognition of Khasi as an official language.
“We will meet the Chief Minister again after the district council elections to impress upon him to take steps toward declaring Khasi an official language,” Nonglait said.
It may be mentioned that the KAS had submitted a memorandum to the chief minister in this regard on October 17, 2023.
Meanwhile, Nonglait pointed out that the declaration of an official language falls under the purview of a state subject.
According to him, both Assamese and English are official languages in Assam, and the Meghalaya government would only need to amend the existing Meghalaya Language Act, 2005 to recognise Khasi.
The KAS president noted that under the Meghalaya Language Act, 2005, Khasi and Garo have only been accorded associate official language status.
“But we want the government to make Khasi one of Meghalaya’s official languages alongside English,” Nonglait said.
He added that this move would encourage the youths to study and learn Khasi if it were declared an official language. Meanwhile, Nonglait flayed government offices, stating that deputy commissioner offices in various districts continue to send letters and advisories to traditional heads in English.
He questioned how traditional heads in rural areas, who do not understand English, would be able to read these letters and advisories.
According to him, despite Khasi being declared an associate official language, no one is ensuring that government correspondence to traditional heads is issued in Khasi.
He further stated that various government recruitment agencies could conduct interviews in Khasi once it is recognised as an official language.
“All government officials will need to have knowledge of the Khasi language if the government fulfils our demand,” Nonglait added.
