Raphael Warjri

The Khasi Authors Society (KAS) has demanded the elevation of the Khasi language from being an associate to one of the official languages of Meghalaya.

In a meeting with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Monday, a delegation of the society put up the demand stating that according to the existing Meghalaya Language Act, 2005, the Khasi and Garo languages are associate official languages of the state and that needs to be changed. “We aim to elevate Khasi to the same status as English within the state,” KAS president, Dr D R L Nonglait, told the press post the meeting.

Nonglait further informed that the Chief Minister has responded positively to the demand and has entrusted the responsible department to provide him with details on the present Act and the related provisions within the Indian Constitution pertaining to designating a language as an official one. “The Constitution doesn’t inhibit a state from having multiple official languages,” he asserted.

However, an amendment to the Meghalaya Language Act, 2005, will be necessary to materialise this change, which will require a special session of the Assembly. Remaining hopeful, Nonglait said, “The chief minister assured us of his careful consideration, and we anticipate the necessary measures to be taken soon. By making Khasi an official state language, its implications and prominence would be far-reaching.”

Regarding the use of the Khasi language in Assembly discussions, he informed that the Chief Minister has acknowledged its feasibility and simplicity.

Earlier on September 30, the KAS, in alliance with several prominent leaders and pressure groups, had staged a protest in New Delhi, pressing for the immediate inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

“We have conveyed our resolutions to the Chief Minister, including seeking clarification from the Ministry of Home Affairs on our request’s status. We also urged the Centre to draft an official Bill for Khasi’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule during Parliament’s upcoming session,” he explained.

Moreover, the KAS has also reached out to India’s top leaders, submitting memorandums to the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, and the President of India in this regard. In a reassuring gesture, the Chief Minister has promised collaboration in composing a follow-up letter, indicating it would be directed to either the Prime Minister or the Union Home Minister, Nonglait informed.