By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 2: Terming the continued delay in granting constitutional recognition to the Khasi language as a clear case of political injustice, North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) chairman Samuel Jyrwa said the Centre has failed to justify its reluctance to include Khasi in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
He told reporters on Friday that the demand to include the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule has been under discussion since the 1980s, but the Centre has not clearly explained why the language continues to be denied constitutional recognition. “A clear answer must come from the Central government on why recognition has not been granted, what shortcomings still exist,” Jyrwa, a former Khasi Students’ Union president, said.
He asked why, despite the Khasi Authors’ Society (KAS) having fulfilled all the required criteria, the government of India continues to delay the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule.
He alleged that the prolonged delay reflects an attempt to marginalise the Khasi community.
“This amounts to political injustice and a systematic effort to sideline us as a people, be it our way of life, our language, or our identity. It shows a mindset that does not recognise us as a distinct community with the right to preserve and promote our own language and culture,” he said.
The NESO chairman clarified that there is nothing wrong with learning the languages of other communities living within the state. He said early exposure to multiple languages would help foster unity and mutual respect.
“It would be beneficial if students in Classes 1 and 2 are taught basic language skills so that Garo children can learn Khasi and Khasi children can learn Garo,” he said.
Stating that introducing Hindi, a language from mainland India, in Classes 1 and 2 would be good for people of the state.
