Appealing for inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the 8th schedule of the Constitution, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma told the Assembly on Wednesday that such a recognition is a clear message of inclusion, and that the Government recognises and respects the identity of the people in this diverse country.

The chief minister also urged Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh to allow members to speak in Khasi and Garo in the House during debates or while participating in a discussion.

He himself spoke in both Khasi and Garo briefly.

“Getting our two languages included in the 8th Schedule of Constitution will be a big message of overall inclusion in this diverse country, of its different tribes and communities in this beautiful country of ours,” Conrad said replying to a call attention motion tabled by suspended Congress MLA Mayralborn Syiem.

“I have expressed that this step ensuring that the languages are included is not just about the languages but a message that the Government of India recognises the identity of the people,” he said.

The inclusion of the two languages in the 8th schedule will send a message of “overall inclusion” and a message that the “Government of India respects each one of us irrespective of our tribes and communities.”

Syiem too spoke in Khasi and thanked the chief minister for his exhaustive reply.

Conrad said that both languages fulfill all the requisite criteria for inclusion in the 8th schedule. “The demand for the inclusion of the two languages keeps on increasing from all quarters because of the funds that are allotted allotted for implementing the status and job opportunities for its users. The languages then become a subject in the UPSC exam … They are preserved and promoted in all aspects.”

The House had in 2018 passed a resolution urging the Government of India to accord recognition to the two languages of the state.

Sangma said the Centre had officially written to the state government saying that the matter is pending with it.

“At least 38 other languages are awaiting inclusion in the Schedule,” he said.