SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Koch Association (MKA) has appealed to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for support in preserving and promoting the Koch language, along with the development of the Koch human resource index in the state.
The initiative aligns with the New Education Policy’s emphasis on using a student’s mother tongue as the medium of instruction until the eighth standard, as outlined in section 29(F) of chapter V of the Right to Education Act, 2009.
During the 54th Annual Koch Conference held at Jatrakona recently, the association presented a memorandum to the Chief Minister, seeking financial aid to establish career counselling centres in Koch villages.
The objective is to bolster the community’s human resources and align with ongoing welfare activities in the state.
Chief Minister Sangma, addressing the conference, assured the Koch community of his commitment to considering the inclusion of the Koch language in the state’s education system.
The proposal envisions introducing the Koch language as the medium of instruction in primary schools located in Koch villages, replacing Assamese or Bengali.
“… The Association had submitted a memorandum for capacity building for Koch people and the preservation of their language for which I have assured to look into. Have also suggested interventions like PRIME, CM-ELEVATE, and YESS Meghalaya for the youth of the Koch community,” wrote Chief Minister Sangma on a micro-blogging website.
In a cultural extravaganza, the Literature Session at the conference, presided over by Koch Krorang Mathop (KKM) President Nirmal Koch, witnessed the release of Teach Koch Yourself, a comprehensive guide for those eager to explore the rich Koch language, penned by the young writer Vedvyas Koch.
The conference featured various sessions, including the Student & Youth Session, led by MKSU President, and the Women Session, helmed by MWKA President, hosting esteemed Chief Guests, contributing to a vibrant blend of literature, youth engagement, women’s empowerment, and social consciousness.
