Language Barrier: School Closure in Meghalaya over Khasi Subject Absence

A school in Meghalaya was closed by local authorities and a student union because it did not offer Khasi as a subject. The absence of Khasi language instruction could hinder students from appearing for relevant exams. This action reflects broader governmental language proficiency requirements for job applicants.

A secondary school in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills was forced to shut its doors after failing to include Khasi as a subject in its curriculum. The Madan Hindi Patshala Secondary School in Madanrting faced closure by village authorities and the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) for depriving students of the chance to qualify for matriculation exams in Khasi.

Village officials and KSU members visited the school, received confirmation from the principal about the absence of the Khasi subject, and subsequently directed the students to leave. With a stern warning, they asserted the school could face permanent closure if the demand to introduce the Khasi language was not fulfilled. Previously, they petitioned the school to implement the subject.

This development coincides with a recent state government directive requiring local language proficiency for District Selection Committee recruitment. Candidates must now pass a qualifying local language exam to get government posts. School authorities have yet to release an official response regarding the matter.

(With inputs from agencies.)