Victory for Heritage: Meghalaya’s Regional Party Fights Passionately for Official Status of Khasi and Garo Languages
The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) has called on the Meghalaya government to recognize Khasi and Garo as official languages to enhance employment opportunities for the youth in the region. HSPDP President KP Pangniang presented a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, advocating for an amendment to the Meghalaya State Language Act of 2005.
The party seeks to have these languages notified under Section 6 of the Act, which would legitimize certificates and mark sheets in Khasi as valid official language qualifications, thereby increasing candidates’ eligibility for recruitment into various central government offices. This move, according to the HSPDP, would facilitate employment for candidates in departments such as the Department of Posts and other central government agencies.
Additionally, the party highlighted the communication difficulties faced by Gram Dak Sevaks (rural postmen) who often struggle due to not knowing Khasi and Garo, which results in misunderstandings and delays in postal services. Despite existing provisions for local languages in office memoranda from 2021, 2023, and 2024, Khasi and Garo remain classified as ‘Associate Official Languages’.
The HSPDP asserts that officially recognizing these languages will aid unemployed youths in competing for central government positions. Further highlighting the employment aspect, the party has also called for an 80 percent job reservation for Khasi-Jaintia and Garo communities to prevent ethnic discrimination and deprivation. Pangniang stressed the need to reassess the state reservation policy, originally established in 1972, to foster fair competition and efficiency among the Scheduled Tribes of the state.
“The party advocates for a combined 40 percent reservation each for Khasi-Jaintia and Garo, totaling 80 percent, to ensure healthy competition and prevent ethnic discrimination,” Pangniang stated.
The HSPDP has urged the Meghalaya government to act promptly, aiming to improve employment prospects and facilitate equitable growth across the state.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/meghalayas-regional-party-pushes-for-official-status-of-khasi-and-garo-languages-1072936-2024-08-16?utm_source=rssfeed
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