Shillong , April,16: In a major decision, the Meghalaya government has approved a new ordinance giving official status to Khasi and Garo languages along with English in the state.
Speaking after the cabinet meeting on Thursday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said the cabinet has cleared the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026.
This new law replaces the earlier Meghalaya State Language Act, 2005.The move means that Khasi and Garo will now be used for official purposes in governance and administration, alongside English.
Calling it a “historic decision,” the Chief Minister said the step will open up more opportunities for the youth and help promote local languages across the state.According to him, the use of Khasi and Garo will gradually increase in government communication.
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Over time, both languages are expected to be used in official work, including correspondence and administration.He also said that necessary changes will be made to existing laws so that legislators can speak and participate in debates in Khasi and Garo during Assembly sessions.
The decision is also expected to impact examinations in the future, allowing candidates to take certain tests in local languages instead of only English.
But , the implementation will not happen immediately. The government will roll it out in phases, as it requires planning, infrastructure, and trained personnel the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister also said this step is also linked to the state’s demand to include Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Strengthening the use of these languages within the state will support that demand at the national level.For now, English will continue to remain the common language for official communication between districts and for government notifications,however, official documents are expected to include Khasi and Garo alongside English, Sangma added.
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