Govt delegation pursues inclusion of Garo language in the 8th Schedule

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 3, 2023

A member delegation, led by Tura MP & Former Union MoS, Agatha K Sangma, accompanied by Thomas A Sangma, Speaker, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Marcuise N Marak, Cabinet Minister and the President of A’chik Literature Society (Garo), Dr. Caroline R. Marak, convened in Delhi to address the longstanding issue of incorporating the Garo language into the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

Speaking at the meeting, Speaker emphasized the significance of their discussion with the Home Secretary and his officials at the North Block, New Delhi, stating, “We had a fruitful discussion regarding the inclusion of the Garo Language in the list of demands for recognition under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.”

The delegation also included Cabinet Minister Marcuise Marak and other prominent members of the Literature Society. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials were apprised of the matter and assured the delegation that Garo languages will be included in the list of demands.

MP Agatha Sangma said, “There has been a public demand to include Garo language in the Eighth Schedule. The MHA officials have agreed to include Garo in the official waitlist of languages based on the request of the delegation, this paves the way for Eighth Schedule inclusion.”

Notably, in September 2018, the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly passed a resolution urging the Central Government to include both Garo and Khasi languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This recent meeting marks a critical step forward in fulfilling this long-standing demand.

Garo is spoken in five districts of Meghalaya, as well as in certain regions of the Khasi-Jaintia Hills where a substantial population of Garos resides. Currently, there are 22 languages recognized in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

This endeavor signifies a significant development in the preservation and recognition of linguistic diversity in the state, a cause that has garnered considerable attention and support.