Shillong, June 8: The Garo community residing in the Khasi Hills region have raised their voice to get equal rights at par with the Khasi community, and benefits as per the reservation policy.

In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma dated June 7, 2023, leaders of various NGOs in the Khasi Hills region have raised concerns, seeking fair treatment and representation, highlighting two key issues impacting the community’s rights.

The joint memo is signed by prominent leaders including the Garo Students’ Union, Khasi Hills Zone; A.chik Holistic Awakening Movement, South West Khasi Hills Zone; All Khasi Hills A.chik Federation; and United A.chik Youth Federation.

They have highlighted the long-standing deprivation faced by the Garo community in accessing the 80% reservation policy reserved for the tribal population of Meghalaya, despite residing in various parts of Khasi Hills Region since time immemorial and many Garos having their own A.khings lands. Stressing that the constitution grants equal rights and opportunities to all communities, including the Garo people, they said since the implementation of the reservation policy in 1972, the Garo communities in different parts of Khasi Hills have been unable to benefit from this policy.

They pointed out that there is no provision, rule, or notification issued by the state of Meghalaya that prohibits or deprives the Garo community residing in Khasi Hills from enjoying the benefits of the reservation policy.

The leaders requested the granting of the 80% reservation benefits to the Garo community, considering their historical presence, economic status, and long-term settlement in Khasi Hills.

Another major concern of theirs is related to education sector. Informing about the presence of government schools in Garo-dominated areas of Khasi Hills and the inclusion of Garo medium instruction in these schools, they said the appointed teachers for Garo medium instruction are non-Garos and lack formal qualifications in the Garo language subject.

They said this situation has resulted in difficulties for Garo students in learning the Garo language and subjects in their academic studies.

As a remedy to the situation, they have urged the CM to address this issue by appointing qualified Garo teachers for the Garo medium schools, ensuring effective and quality education for the Garo community.

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