Shillong Aug 06: MP from Shillong constituency, Vincent H Pala on Thursday demanded inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the list of second language options of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
Complimenting the Union HRD Minister, Ramesh Pohkriyal and his Ministry for the introduction of the modern and path-breaking new education policy, Pala in his letter addressed to Pohkriyal, said that the essence of the new policy will not come to fruition if some fundamental issues remain unaddressed.
Pala said that as per the newly published list of languages in the CBSE Curriculum, Khasi and Garo languages are not included.
“However, languages like Mizo and Tangkhul, spoken and used by a very small population are included in the list. Mizo Language is spoken by approximately 12 lakhs people and the number of people speaking Tangkhul is 1.83 lakhs. It is therefore pertinent to note that CBSE affiliated schools are popular in Meghalaya and parents are aware that CBSE is the best board for appearing in various competitive examinations,†Pala pointed out.
He said that Meghalaya with a population approximately 33 lakhs, 50 per cent of the population speak Khasi, 31 per cent speak Garo and the rest speak other languages.
“Shillong Lok Sabha constituency in the state of Meghalaya is predominantly inhabited by the Khasi, Jaiñtia and Garo tribes. Therefore, I wish to draw your attention to the fact that the Khasi and Garo languages are not included in the list of options for Second Language in the CBSE. This is despite the fact that Khasi and Garo languages are the mode of communication (both verbal and written) for not only the indigenous residents of the state but also for large sections of the inhabitants of other states in the North East who have Khasi and Garo ancestry. In fact, a sizeable population of Bangladesh also speaks the Khasi and Garo languages,†Pala told the Union Minister.
Pala therefore requested the Union Minister to consider the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the list of approved languages at the earliest so that children of Meghalaya can receive the best of education.
