BASAR, Jan 19: Stating that the United Nations has listed 26 languages of Arunachal Pradesh as endangered, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday said his government is taking several measures for preservation of the state’s languages.
The CM said this while attending the 11th Galo Baane Keba organised by the Galo Welfare Society (GWS) here in Lepa Rada district.
Stating that language reflects the essence of any culture, the CM said “funds have been earmarked in the budget for development of the local languages, and steps are being taken to introduce local languages in schools.”
Pema lauded the contributions of the Galo community “in all spheres of development of the state,” and said the community’s contributions “can be counted back to the days when India fought for its freedom from British rule.” He also said the GWS has been cooperative towards every policy and programme of the state government.
The CM commended the contribution of a linguist from University of Sydney, Mark William Post, towards the preservation of the Galo language, and thanked him for bringing out a Galo dictionary.
Responding to a public memorandum, the CM promised to create the headquarters of a divisional commissioner for better administration of central Arunachal, considering the large geographical area of the state.
He also assured to start postgraduate courses at Donyi Polo Govt College, Kamki, from the 2019-20 session, and to extend his support for establishment of an agriculture/horticulture college in Basar.
The chief minister also assured to establish a highway connecting Kamba, Darak, Yomcha and Liromoba circles. He, however, said “there will be no provision for compensation.”
Earlier, Pema felicitated the achievers from the Galo community and organisations for their contributions to the society. He also released a souvenir of the 11th Baane Keba.
Among others, RGU Vice Chancellor Prof Saket Kushwaha and ministers, MLAs and officers from the Galo community attended the programme. (CMO)
