Northeast
Meghalaya gives Khasi and Garo official language status
The Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026, will let both languages be used in government work, to be rolled out in stages.
By Lalremsiami Hnamte ยท 16 April 2026
The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026, giving Khasi and Garo the status of official languages in addition to English. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma announced the decision on 16 April 2026.
The ordinance will replace the Meghalaya State Language Act, 2005. It allows Khasi and Garo to be used in official government communication. The government also plans to amend a 1980 law on the use of English in the state legislature, so that members can take part in Assembly debates in both languages.
A gradual rollout
The changes will not take effect at once, as the required systems and framework have to be built first. They will be introduced step by step, including in some state examinations. The move follows an Assembly resolution seeking the inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and the Chief Minister said official status in the state would strengthen that demand.
The Cabinet also approved a Greater Shillong Waste Management Agency, to be registered as a society. It aims to fix gaps caused by several agencies handling waste in the Greater Shillong Planning Area, which covers about 288.5 sq km.
Source: The Week
Got a story?
Write to our news desk with facts, documents or a lead. We read every message.