Pursue for inclusion of Khasi in 8th schedule: Opposition

FROM A CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG, March 14:  The opposition on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the delay in recognizing Khasi language in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution.
According to United Democratic Party (UDP) legislator from Nongthymmai, Jemino Mawthoh, the demand for inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eight Schedule began in the early 1970s.
Mawthoh said that Nepali, Konkani, Bodo, Santhali and Manipuri have found their way into the Eight Schedule.
Konkani, Manipuri and Nepali were added in 1992; whereas Bodo and Santhali were added in 2004.
It may be mentioned that at present, as per Ministry of Home Affairs, there are demands for inclusion of 38 more languages in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution including Khasi.
Taking part during the Question Hour, independent legislator from Gambegre, Saleng A Sangma wanted to know whether the State government was pursuing to include Garo and Janitia language in the Eight Schedule.
Relying to the question, State Arts and Culture Minister, Ronnie V Lyngdoh informed the House that there was no demand as such for inclusion of the Garo language in the Eight Schedule but later clarified that prelimiry work is on for inclusion of the language.
Sangma was of the opinion that any benefit that comes to the state should be for the promotion of all the three major tribes (Khasi, Garo, Janitia) of Meghalaya. 
Hills State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), legislator from Mawshynrut constituency, Witting Mawsor asked the government whether the Meghalaya Sahitya Akademi has been formed as step to get recognition into the Eight Schedule.
Mawsor also wanted to know from the government whether the MLAs can speak Khasi in the State Assembly and also why was Khasi, MIL excluded as a compulsory subject in the SSLC examition.  
It may be mentioned that while English continue to remain a “compulsory subject” while modern Indian languages — Khasi, Garo, Assamese, Bengali, Hindi, Nepali and Mizo — or Altertive English have been removed from the category of “compulsory subjects” and have been made “compulsory elective subject”.
Earlier, English, MIL or Altertive English were “compulsory subjects” where students had to attain the minimum qualifying marks.
Earlier, Ronnie V Lyngdoh informed the House that the Main Committee to look into the inclusion of Khasi Language in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution which was notified on November 28, 2014, has submitted its recommendation to the state government’s Political Department on November 14 last year.