Shillong, April 16: The state cabinet has accorded official status to the Khasi & Garo languages together with English.
Briefing reporters after the meeting on Thursday, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said that the cabinet approved the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance 2026 to enable the use of Khasi and Garo languages officially.
“The Cabinet has taken a historic decision to approve the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026, and to repeal the Meghalaya State Language Act, 2005. Under the new Ordinance, Khasi and Garo, in addition to English, will become official languages of the State. With this landmark decision, Khasi and Garo can be used in Government communications. In due course, necessary amendments will also be made to relevant Acts, including the Meghalaya State Legislature (Continuance of English Language) Act, 1980. Once these amendments are completed, our Legislators will be able to speak and debate in Khasi and Garo during Assembly sessions, alongside English”, the chief minister said.
According to the chief minister, the decision will also pave the way for the use of Khasi and Garo in various examinations. While the changes will not take effect immediately and implementation will require time, this step ensures that the necessary framework is put in place for the gradual adoption of these languages.
The decision has also been made in view of the Assembly’s resolution seeking the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. “Our Government strongly believes that while we continue to advocate for their inclusion, the State must first take the necessary steps to accord official status to both languages. This will send a strong message to the Government of India and further strengthen the case for their inclusion in the Eighth Schedule”, he added.
