The Mizoram Legislative Assembly has unanimously adopted an official resolution seeking inclusion of the Mizo language in the Eighth Schedule to the Indian Constitution.
State Education Minister Vanlalthlana moved the resolution in the assembly on Monday. “This step does not replace the 1991 resolution but amplifies the state’s voice, ensuring the demand reaches the Central government with renewed urgency,” Vanlalthlana said.
The move aims to intensify efforts to secure constitutional status for the Mizo language, which is the “lingua franca” of various Mizo tribes. At present, the 8th Schedule of the constitution recognizes 22 languages.
During the assembly discussion, Chief Minister Lalduhoma expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Mizo Language Development Board (MLDB) which initiated the proposal.
The board conducted consultations with various stakeholders before the resolution was introduced in the assembly. Its unanimous adoption reflects strong consensus among Mizoram’s political leaders and organizations, highlighting the state’s commitment to preserving and promoting the Mizo language and cultural identity.
Addressing concerns that that inclusion of Mizo language in the 8th Schedule to the Constitution may adversely affect the Schedule Tribe status of the Mizos, CM Lalduhoma said that Mizos are included as Schedule Tribe in the Schedule Tribe Order 1950, which remains in force.
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As per reports, the resolution received backing from major NGOs including the Young Mizo Association (YMA) and ethnic groups like the Chakma and Bru communities, marking a rare moment of ethnic unity on the linguistic front.
Meanwhile, discussing the language issue, the Chief Minister also suggested exploring the possibility of declaring the entire state of Mizoram as a Scheduled Area under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. He also highlighted that a similar arrangement exists in Meghalaya where the entire state enjoys Sixth Schedule provisions.
