Meghalaya CM asserts need to encourage use of Khasi, Garo languages in Assembly

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 4, 2022

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday said the use of both Khasi and Garo languages by the legislators will soon be allowed in the state Assembly.   

“You are right, I have had multiple discussions with a lot of our leaders and with the Assembly Speaker also and we are of a very strong opinion that to certain extent…along with the translations even in the Assembly both Khasi and Garo languages should be allowed to be spoken,” Sangma told reporters.

He was reacting to a query on the government’s plan in promoting the use of Khasi and Garo languages in the Assembly.

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“We feel strongly that this is something that should be done and efforts are being made and I hope that we will be able to move this very soon,” Sangma informed.

He said use of the two local languages may be allowed in terms of motions and different resolutions, the debates that take place on the Governor’s Address or Budget Discussion but not Question Hour immediately.

“We have already started the process and discussion is on and we are very serious and we all feel that both Khasi and Garo languages should be allowed to use in the Assembly at least certain parts not the question hour as it requires a lot of things but along with translation and everything both Khasi and Garo languages should be allowed to use in certain parts,” Sangma added.

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When asked, the chief minister however said that it will depend on the Assembly Secretariat and that he is sure to get a positive response in this regard.

“It is positive but I can’t comment on it since it is a legislature matter but as a government we strongly feel that it is something which should be encouraged,” he stated.