SHILLONG, SEPT 27: The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly today unanimously passed a resolution seeking inclusion of the ‘ancient’ Khasi and Garo languages in the Eight Schedule to the Constitution of India.
Cutting across political lines, the members of the House both ruling and opposition supported the resolution tabled by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in the Assembly which concluded here on Thursday.
“This House now, therefore, resolves that the Government of India may be requested to take necessary steps as early as possible to include the Khasi and Garo Langauges in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution of India,” the resolution read.
It stated that the Khasi and Garo languages have fulfilled many of the required criteria in as much as the facts that they are ancient languages which have rich tradition which are unique and different from other languages in India.
Khasi has a system of sending communication known as “Kyrwoh” made of a ring of chain from bamboo but became extinct due to lack of popular usage.
The A.chik (Garo) language and literature developed since the 1860s with the writing of primers and hymns, publication of textbooks, journals, translation of the Bible, grammar, religious and secular writings etc.
While Garo was recognized by the Calcutta University at matriculation level as one of the modern Indian languages in 1923, it was recognized as major Indian language by Guwahati University in 1947, pre university level in 1969 and a subject at post graduate level in 1996.
The resolution also pointed out that languages a script of their own also have been recognized such as Bodo and hence Khasi and Garo also can be recognized.
It further claims that the speakers of Khasi and Garo languages have a sizeable population and are confined to a large continuous geographical zone.
As per 2011 census, Khasi and Garo at present have a language population of 13,82,278 and 9,36,496 respectively.
However, the resolution also highlighted the main hurdles where the Khasi and Garo are not a medium of instruction up to higher secondary or higher education and the non existence of a Sahitya Sabha for respective language.
“It will be difficult for Khasi and Garo to get through in the Lok Sabha if the above (issues) are not taken care of in due time,” it added.
Conrad, introducing the resolution, termed the occasion as ‘historic’ and said, “There is no opposition… the House is united on this particular issue. It is a long pending demand by the citizens of the state that the Khasi and Garo languages be included in the Eight Schedule.”
On a happy note, the chief minister said after a lot of disagreements and debates, it’s quite a wonderful feeling to see that we are together here to finally say yes to this issue while appreciating the role of the different organizations and civil societies.
Earlier while expressing support to resolution, opposition chief whip and legislator from Mawlai Process T Sawkmie urged the government to ensure that the resolution do not end only in the four walls of the Assembly but to pursue the matter aggressively with the Centre.
Congress legislator from Mawsynram Himalaya M Shangpliang said if required, they are ready to go to Delhi to voice the demand for speedy inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eight Schedule.
After session, chief minister told reporters that the passing of the resolution is just the beginning and now the state government would take up the matter with the Centre government in New Delhi.
“With almost 40-42 languages being demanded to be included in the Eight Schedule, therefore a lot of hard work is left. The fact that this was unanimously passed when all opposition and ruling came together in itself is a very strong message to the government of India,” he said.
By Our Reporter
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