SHILLONG : The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved the Meghalaya Official Languages Bill, 2026, paving the way for the proposed language law to be placed before the Assembly during its upcoming Autumn Session.
The Bill will provide legislative backing to the recognition of Khasi and Garo as official languages alongside English.
The state had already introduced the change through the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026, issued in April. The ordinance replaced the Meghalaya State Language Act, 2005, and provides for English, Khasi and Garo to be used for official purposes from a date notified by the government.
English will continue to be used in Meghalaya’s civil and criminal courts. It will also remain the language for official communication between districts.
The Cabinet’s latest decision means the ordinance will now be taken forward through formal legislation when the Assembly meets from August 24.
The move follows a long-standing demand for greater official recognition of Khasi and Garo and a wider role for the two indigenous languages in government and public administration.
The Meghalaya Official Languages Bill is expected to be among the matters taken up during the upcoming Assembly session.
