Shillong, May 3: The Khasi Author Society (KAS) on Tuesday asked the state government to aggressively pursue with the Centre for the immediate inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India.
After being re-elected as KAS president during the general meeting, Dr DRL Nonglait told reporters that they have unanimously decided to seek a status report from the state government and its political department on the demand for inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule.
“We will also soon meet the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma urging the state government to pursue with the Centre and the Ministry of Home Affairs for inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution,” he said.
The general meeting could not be held since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new office bearers of the society also include Dr KD Ramsiej as vice president, Dr RP Kharshiing – general secretary, DR MM Khymdeitas – joint secretary and P Kharshiing – finance secretary.
Nonglait informed that the KAS has selected six scholars and researchers to prepare documentation on Khasi language with regards to drama, literature, arts, music or any other form of communication based on the Khasi language.
He added that this documentation will help the Khasi language to get the recognition it deserved.
Further, Nonglait said that the society is in the process of coming up with a Khasi dictionary and this project will be completed within three years.
According to him, the proposed dictionary will help the youths, the public and the upcoming generation to have a better knowledge on the proper use of Khasi words in day to day life especially for academic purposes.
Meanwhile, the KAS has decided to continue with the ‘KAS Award’ for those who score the highest mark in Khasi language subject in class X and B.A honours in Khasi.