SHILLONG, JAN 8: The opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Thursday reiterated its commitment to continue pressing for the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

VPP spokesperson Dr Batskhem Myrboh said the party remains steadfast in its stand, asserting that Khasi meets all the criteria required for inclusion alongside other regional languages already listed in the Eighth Schedule.

“Yes, for the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule, the VPP will continue to fight for this,” Dr Myrboh stated.

Questioning the Centre’s reluctance, he said the Khasi language is in no way inferior to other regional languages that have already been accorded constitutional recognition. “If you compare the Khasi language with other languages from the region that have been included, the Khasi language is not lacking behind. We do not know what is in the mind of the central government,” he added.

Highlighting what he described as inconsistencies in the government’s approach, Dr Myrboh pointed out that even the Mizo language of neighbouring Mizoram—widely used as an official language in the state—is yet to be included in the Eighth Schedule.

On the role of the state government, the VPP spokesperson declined to comment, noting that the demand for inclusion of the Khasi language has been longstanding and predates the current administration.

“With regard to the efforts of the state government, I cannot say because this has been a long demand right from the Congress governments in the past and even this present government,” he said.