Shillong MP seeks inclusion of Khasi, Garo languages in CBSE's list of languages

SHILLONG::

Lok Sabha MP from Meghalaya, Vincent H Pala, has urged the centre to include Khasi and Garo languages in the list of 'language options' in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), in line with the New Education Policy. 

In a letter submitted to Education Minister RP Nishank on June 4, the Shillong MP said that Khasi and Garo languages are not included in the list of 'Options for Second Language' in the CBSE, despite having a sizable population speaking the languages.

Pala stated that Khasi and Garo languages are the modes of communication (both verbal and written) not only for the indigenous residents of Meghalaya but also for a large section of inhabitants of other states of the Northeast who have Khasi and Garo ancestry.

He further stated that the population of Meghalaya is approximately 35 lakhs and 47 per cent of the population speak Khasi, 30.86 per cent speak Garo; "hence, it becomes necessary for both the languages to be included in the central list of languages that can be taken up for board exams in CBSE," he said. 

The Shillong MP cited the example of Mizo and Thankhul languages which comparatively is spoken by a lesser percentage of the population, but still included in the list of languages in the CBSE curriculum.

He maintained that CBSE affiliated schools are not popular in Meghalaya, although parents are aware that CBSE is the best board of appearing in competitive examinations. 

"So, if these two languages get included, the children from the state can receive the best of education," he observed.

(Edited by Shankar Kumar Turha)

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