Shillong, Feb 2: The VPP MLAs will not be part of the proceedings of the Assembly if the Governor Phagu Chauhan addresses the House in Hindi and the Assembly Secretariat does not arrange a translator.
The VPP wrote a letter to the Speaker in this regard.
The full text of the letter below
Shri Thomas A. Sangma
The Honorable Speaker
Meghalaya Legislative Assembly
Meghalaya, Shillong.
Dear Sir,
As we prepare for the upcoming Budget Session of the Assembly, I am writing to address an important matter regarding the language of communication during the session.
Given the significance of the Budget Session and its implications for our constituents, it is imperative that all members of the Assembly are able to fully comprehend and engage with the proceedings. However, it has been observed that in previous sessions, the Governor addressed the House primarily in Hindi, which had caused great inconvenience to members who are not comfortable in hindi language and also keeping in mind that Hindi is not the Official Language of Meghalaya.
In this connection and on behalf of the Voice of the People Party, I respectfully convey the decision of the Parliamentary Party meeting held on the 30th of January 2023, to appeal to you that the address of the Governor is made in English and if his excellency is not in his capability to address the house in English, your office can arrange a translator during his entire speech for the interest and convinient of all the stakeholders.
By ensuring that the proceedings of the Budget Session are conducted in a language accessible to all members, we can uphold the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and effective governance.
The last but not the least, the party would like to make its stand very clear that it will not be part of proceeding should the Assembly secretariat fail to address this issue.
I am looking forward for your consideration,
Thanking you,
Dated: Mawlynrei, the Yours sincerely,
Shri Heavingstone Kharpran
(Secretary, VPP Parliamentary Party)
