By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 16: Khasi and Garo languages have now become official languages of Meghalaya along with English.
The state Cabinet on Thursday approved the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026, repealing the Meghalaya State Language Act, 2005.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said following this decision, Khasi and Garo languages will be used in all government communications in addition to English.
Necessary amendments will be made to the relevant Acts, including the Meghalaya State Legislature (Continuance of English Language) Act, 1980, in due course, he stated.
“Once these amendments are made, our legislators will be able to speak and debate in Khasi and Garo languages during Assembly sessions alongside English,” Sangma said, adding, “This decision will also pave the way for the use of Khasi and Garo in various examinations.”
He said the changes will not take effect immediately and implementation will require time. He said this step ensures that the necessary framework is put in place for the gradual adoption of these languages.
He said the decision has been made also in view of the Assembly resolution seeking the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
“We believe 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,” the Chief Minister said.
According to him, some decisions require manpower and infrastructure. He said government orders will be issued in Khasi and English languages in the Khasi Hills region, and in Garo and English in the Garo Hills region.
The gazette notification will be in English, Khasi and Garo, while the inter-district communication will be in English. Sangma said the move would require some translators in the Assembly.
The members of the House are likely to be allowed to speak in their mother tongue when the New Assembly Building holds its first session.
To a query, Sangma said the decision on the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule rests with the central government and the Parliament.
Khasi Authors Society welcomes development
The Khasi Authors Society (KAS) on Thursday welcomed the state government’s decision to declare Khasi and Garo as official languages, stating that the move addresses a long-standing demand of the people.
KAS president Dr. D.R.L. Nonglait said the society appreciated the initiative taken by the government and expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for acting on the aspirations of the people of the state.
He informed that members of the central executive committee attended the meeting in full strength, during which they were told that the cabinet had approved an ordinance declaring Khasi and Garo as official languages, with English continuing as an official language.
The KAS also highlighted its recent activities, stating that it had conducted a series of public meetings across Bri U Hynniewtrep to build awareness and mobilise support on the issue. The society had earlier set April 18 as the deadline for the government to clarify its stand and had demanded a special session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly to deliberate on granting official status to Khasi, warning of further public action if no decision was taken.
