Meghalaya Cabinet Approves State Literary Award for Garo, Khasi Authors

SHILLONG : Meghalaya Government has come up with a plan to promote the indigenous languages of the state. They have decided to carry out the Annual State Literary Awards. This proposal was passed on Wednesday in the Meghalaya Cabinet. The award is particularly for the authors of Garo and Khasi language. They will be awarded with a cash reward of One Lakh prize money each - one for the Garo and another one for the Khasi. It is an attempt by the government to promote and protect their origin.

This awards will be specified every year by a properly constituted committee. CM Conrad K Sangma said that every year a suitably designed committee will be set by the government, and it will be headed by the Director. The director will do the screening process of different nominees, and the final list will be sent to the state government. People can either nominate themselves or someone else can also nominate them for the awards.

The CM was also asked about the Jaintia language, on which he said that, they will gradually include all the languages, but for a start the Garo and Khasi languages have been selected. He also mentions that every language is important and the recommendations will be put forwarded with time. He ensures to encourage all the languages of the state. The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution at the hub (center) with an urge to include both Garo and Khasi language in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution. This proposal was passed on November 2018. Unfortunately, the Government of India have not approved the resolution till now.

According to the Meghalaya CM, Conrad K Sangma, even though the proposal has not been taken into consideration until now, they won't fall apart. The State Literary Award is a step from their end to promote their own languages.

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