MBoSE decision to scrap Khasi as compulsory subject
SHILLONG: Raising strong objection to the move of the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBoSE) to derecognize Khasi (MIL) at the HSSLC level in the State, UDP working president Bindo Mathew Lanong on Tuesday demanded that Board should immediately scrap the notification which is an attack on the very root of the basic structure of the Khasi community.
Pointing out that no Government or education board has the right or authority to decide on issues concerning with the basic structure of any community be it language, religion, culture and traditional practices, Lanong said the MBoSE cannot take arbitrary decision without consulting experts in Khasi language like the Khasi Authors’ Society (KAS).
According to him, the Board’s notification will affect the students pursuing the Khasi curriculum at all level, especially those at the higher level, and particular those who have opted for Khasi language as a major subject.
“Therefore, the order of the board is voidable order which should be removed immediately before it is struck down by the Judiciary,” Lanong said.
Lanong also feared that the Board’s notification will not only have a serious impact on all the hard work that is being put in to get Constitutions recognition for Khasi language but will also undermine and status of Khasi language.
The UDP leader recalled that Khasi language was recognized by Calcutta University up to the entrance examination standard in 1900 and up to the degree level in 1919.
“Khasi language was recognized by Gauhati University in 1948. Dibrugarh University, the Council for the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education, New Delhi and North Eastern Hill University have also accorded due recognition to it,” Lanong added.
