On Thursday, the cabinet of Meghalaya declared the Khasi and Garo languages as official languages of the state, alongside English.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma described this decision as “historic” as he revealed that the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026 had been sanctioned by the state cabinet. This initiative responds to a longstanding demand for the recognition of Khasi and Garo, the principal languages of the state’s two major tribes, to be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Presently, all official communications within the state are conducted in English.
Sangma emphasized that the government is committed to granting official status to both languages, asserting that this step will convey a strong message to the Government of India and bolster the argument for their inclusion in the Eighth Schedule. He indicated that comprehensive guidelines will be drafted to determine the specific contexts in which each language will be utilized, while English will continue to serve as a “common thread” for communication. This development will also facilitate the incorporation of Khasi and Garo in various examinations, he noted. The implementation of these changes will not be immediate; rather, they will unfold as the necessary framework is established for a gradual transition to these languages, Sangma concluded.
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