Shillong, Aug 7: Shillong MP Ricky AJ Syngkon met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today to seek consideration on key issues concerning the people of Meghalaya, such as implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and inclusion of Khasi in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
The memorandum also requested the grant of institute of national importance (INI) status to NEIGRIHMS.
Syngkon emphasised the importance of recognising Khasi as a vital symbol of Meghalaya’s rich cultural and historical heritage and requested the PM’s support in raising this long-pending demand to facilitate the constitutional recognition of Khasi.
The MP mentioned that the Khasi language, spoken by about 14 lakh of the indigenous population of Meghalaya and other states, has yet to receive constitutional recognition under the Eighth Schedule. Despite its widespread use, literary tradition, official recognition at the state level, and fulfillment of all requisite criteria, Khasi remains excluded, Syngkon said.
The MP also urged the implementation of ILP in Meghalaya, citing concerns over the influx of migrants and unauthorised settlements on tribal lands. He requested Modi’s support in taking up the matter and initiating a structured consultative process with all stakeholders.
On NEIGRIHMS, Syngkon said that the central teaching hospital has a critical role in healthcare delivery and medical education for the entire North East. He requested the Prime Minister’s support in facilitating the grant of INI status, which would empower the institute with greater autonomy, improved funding and the ability to attract top talent.
Although the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed a draft bill – Health Institutions of National Importance Bill 2023 – to declare NEIGRIHMS as an INI, no steps have been taken to place the bill before Parliament for consideration, he said.
Syngkon also urged reconsideration of the All India Reservation Policy in Scheduled Area central institutions. He highlighted the underrepresentation of local Scheduled Tribe communities in these institutions and recommended a revised or region-sensitive reservation policy.
Other matters raised in the memorandum include increased Border Security Force (BSF) presence in Meghalaya and upgrades to fencing, drone surveillance and scanners; inclusion of local communities and traditional institutions in the Assam-Meghalaya border demarcation process; and resumption and strengthening of air connectivity from Umroi Airport to destinations in the North East, such as Dimapur, Agartala and Silchar.
