VPP threatens not to take part in Governor’s address if it is delivered in Hindi without English translation 

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 2, 2024

The opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) Friday threatened not to be part of the Governor’s Address in the upcoming budget session of the Assembly, if it is delivered in Hindi without an English translation.

The decision taken by the parliamentary party meeting on January 30, was submitted to the Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma.

In a letter to Sangma, secretary of the VPP Parliamentary Party Heavingstone Kharpran said given the significance of the Budget Session and its implications for our constituents, it is imperative that all members of the Assembly are able to fully comprehend and engage with the proceedings. However, it has been observed that in previous sessions, the Governor addressed the House primarily in Hindi, which had caused great inconvenience to members who are not comfortable in hindi language and also keeping in mind that Hindi is not the Official Language of Meghalaya.

“In this connection and on behalf of the Voice of the People Party, I respectfully convey the decision of the Parliamentary Party meeting held on the 30th of January 2024, to appeal to you that the address of the Governor is made in English and if his excellency is not in his capability to address the house in English, your office can arrange a translator during his entire speech for the interest and convinient of all the stakeholders,” he said.

He said by ensuring that the proceedings of the Budget Session are conducted in a language accessible to all members, we can uphold the principles of transparency, inclusivity, and effective governance.

“The last but not the least, the party would like to make its stand very clear that it will not be part of proceeding should the Assembly secretariat fail to address this issue,” Kharpran stated.