Garo Language Closer to Constitutional Recognition: Ministry of Home Affairs Agrees to Consider Inclusion

New Delhi - November 4, 2023: In a significant development, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) made a pivotal decision on November 3 to consider including the Garo language in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This positive step forward follows robust advocacy led by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, Lok Sabha MP Agatha K Sangma, Speaker Thomas A Sangma, and Cabinet Minister Marcuise N Marak.

The journey toward securing a rightful place for the Garo language within the 8th Schedule began when it was initially omitted from the list of 38 languages under review for potential inclusion. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma took to social media to express the issue, stating, "After the Garo language was excluded from the 38 languages slated for review for inclusion in the 8th Schedule, as notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India, Hon'ble MP, Smti. Agatha K Sangma, and Hon'ble Speaker, Shri Thomas A Sangma led the delegation to request the same from the MHA. Following their request, the MHA has now agreed to include the Garo language in the list of languages seeking inclusion in the 8th schedule."

Earlier in the day, a delegation representing the National People's Party (NPP), with Lok Sabha MP Agatha K Sangma, Speaker Thomas A Sangma, and Cabinet Minister Marcuise N Marak at the helm, conducted a crucial meeting with the Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs in New Delhi. The primary purpose of this meeting was to fervently advocate for the inclusion of the Garo language in the list of languages under consideration for recognition within the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

This decision marks a significant milestone in the effort to preserve and promote the linguistic diversity of India, particularly by ensuring that the Garo language receives its due recognition and protection under the Constitution. As the process moves forward, it is anticipated that the inclusion of Garo in the 8th Schedule will be a source of great pride and cultural significance for the Garo community and the state of Meghalaya.