Shillong July 25: Ricky AJ Syngkon, the VPP from Shillong, on Friday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and sought his intervention on several issues like ILP and inclusion of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India.
Syngkon submitted a memorandum to Shah.
According to Syngkon, the ILP system, already in force in neighbouring states like Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur and Nagaland, is viewed as a necessary and legitimate protective mechanism to regulate the entry of outsiders and preserve the unique tribal character of the state.
“I, therefore, earnestly request your support in taking up the matter under your Ministry and instantiate a structured consultative process with all stakeholders to examine the demand for ILP in Meghalaya in a fair, sensitive and time-bound manner. Granting ILP status would fulfil a long-pending aspiration of the people and reinforce their trust in the constitutional safeguards provided to indigenous communities,” Syngkon said.
Syngkon urged the Home Minister to support the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
He said the Khasi language, spoken by a large majority of the indigenous population of Meghalaya, is a vital symbol of the state’s rich cultural and historical heritage. Despite its widespread use, literary tradition, official recognition at the state level, and its fulfilment of all requisite criteria comparable to several languages already included in the Eighth Schedule, Khasi has yet to receive constitutional recognition under the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
“I earnestly request your support in raising this long-pending demand with your Ministry to facilitate the constitutional recognition of Khasi – a long-cherished aspiration of the people of Meghalaya. It may be pertinent to mention that a Resolution on this issue was passed by the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly in 2018 and the same was forwarded to the Parliament of India for Amendment,” Syngkon said.
Syngkon requested preferential employment opportunities for local youth in para-military establishments and installations located in Meghalaya, particularly for Group ‘C’ and other support staff positions.
He also wanted granting Institute of National Importance (INI) status to the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong, to elevate its academic and service excellence.
Syngkon requested for the restoration and strengthening of air connectivity from Shillong Airport to key destinations in the North East.
He wanted upgradation of the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), Shillong Centre, into a full-fledged independent institute with expanded academic, training, and incubation capacity.
