Mizoram’s Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution seeking the inclusion of the Mizo language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

The resolution was moved by state Education Minister Vanlalthlana and received support from members across the political spectrum, reflecting broad political backing for greater constitutional recognition of the language.

According to Akashbani, Chief Minister Lalduhoma thanked the Mizo Language Development Board (MLDB) for initiating the process after consultations with different stakeholders across the state.

During the debate, concerns were raised over whether adding Mizo to the Eighth Schedule could have implications for the Scheduled Tribe status of the Mizo people. Lalduhoma sought to dispel those fears, pointing out that the community’s Scheduled Tribe status is protected under the Scheduled Tribe Order of 1950, which remains in force.

The chief minister also used the discussion to raise a broader constitutional demand. He called for all political parties in Mizoram to reach a consensus on bringing the entire state under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Lalduhoma cited Meghalaya as an example, where the Sixth Schedule provides special administrative arrangements for tribal areas.

The Assembly’s unanimous resolution now puts the demand for constitutional recognition of the Mizo language formally on the state’s agenda, while the call for Sixth Schedule coverage adds another dimension to Mizoram’s long-standing discussion over tribal rights and autonomy.

BOB Post