Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi today, along with Cabinet Ministers and Speaker of Meghalaya Assembly. The delegation discussed the need for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya and inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in Eighth Schedule.
The delegation highlighted the resolution passed by the Meghalaya State Assembly in December 2019, focusing on the need for ILP implementation in Meghalaya. The ILP is a travel document that is required for non-citizens to enter certain areas in the Northeast. It is intended to protect the indigenous people of these areas from illegal immigration and influx of outsiders.
The delegation sought Prime Minister Modi’s intervention as the State Government awaits a response from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the consideration of ILP in Meghalaya.
The Chief Minister also apprised Prime Minister Modi on the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution lists 22 languages that are officially recognized by the Government of India. The inclusion of a language in the Eighth Schedule gives it a certain degree of official status and allows it to be used for official purposes.
The Chief Minister emphasized the eligibility of Khasi and Garo languages for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule. A resolution to this effect was passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in November 2018, and the matter is currently pending with the Government of India.
Prime Minister Modi assured the delegation that the Union government will consider their requests positively. He said that the government is committed to the development of the Northeast and that it will take all necessary steps to protect the interests of the indigenous people of the region.
The meeting between Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a positive step in the state’s development journey. The assurance of support from the Centre is a welcome development and will help the state achieve its goals.
