HSPDP demands Meghalaya govt to recognize Khasi & Garo as official languages

Shillong : The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) recently urged the Meghalaya government to notify Khasi and Garo as official languages in order to provide better employment opportunities for youth.

 HSPDP president KP Pangniang, in a memorandum submitted to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, called on the state government to amend the Khasi and Garo languages’ status under the Meghalaya State Language Act of 2005.

The party has specifically urged the state to notify these languages under Section 6 of the Act, which would allow certificates and mark sheets in Khasi to be accepted as official language qualifications, making candidates eligible for recruitment in various central government offices.

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According to HSPDP, this step would help the candidates to be eligible for recruitment in the Department of Posts (GDS Section) besides other central government offices.

The party also highlighted the challenges faced by Gram Dak Sevaks (rural postmen), who often struggle to communicate with local residents due to their lack of knowledge of the Khasi and Garo languages.

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According to HSPDP, this problem has led to communication difficulties, misunderstandings, delays, and an overall decline in the smooth functioning of postal services in Meghalaya.

It may be mentioned that as per office memorandum dated March 25, 2021, June 9, 2023 and July 10, 2024, issued by the Ministry of Communications, Department of Post (GDS Section), even though there was a provision of local languages for engagement in Gram Dak Sevaks, Khasi and Garo languages still remain as “Associate Official Language”.

Moreover, the party claimed that recognition of Khasi and Garo as official languages would also give a chance to unemployed youths to compete effectively for central government jobs.

HSPDP also urged the state government to act swiftly so that employment prospects become better in Meghalaya.