Shillong: The two prominent indigenous tribal languages of Meghalaya — Khasi and Garo — are now full-fledged official languages of the state, alongside English, which had been the sole official language until the cabinet on April 16 approved the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026, repealing the Meghalaya State Language Act, 2005.Khasi and Garo had previously been associated official languages of the state.Describing the move as a “historic and very important decision”, chief minister Conrad K Sangma, who presided over the cabinet meeting, said, “This landmark decision will facilitate the use of Khasi and Garo languages in most government communications.”He said necessary amendments would soon be made to the Meghalaya State Legislature (Continuation of the English Language) Act, 1980. “Once amended, it will also enable our legislators to speak and debate in Khasi and Garo languages, apart from English, during assembly sessions,” the CM said.He added that the decision would also extend to competitive examinations. “This decision will pave the way for important examinations to be held not only in English but also in our local languages — Garo and Khasi,” Sangma said.The implementation will be carried out in a phased manner, the CM said. “This will not happen immediately. The process will take time. Certain decisions will be easier to implement right away, while others will require logistical setups, manpower, infrastructure, and new rules,” he said.The CM said the ordinance aligns with the state’s long-standing demand for constitutional recognition of Khasi and Garo languages by including them in the Eighth Schedule. He added that the decision would send a “stronger message” to the Union government and Parliament to consider their inclusion.While English will continue to serve as the common link across the state, Sangma said, “Notifications and government orders will be issued in English, Garo, and Khasi — so all three languages will be represented.”He further said, “Inter-district communication will continue in English, and official notifications, orders, and file notings will remain in English.”Earlier, on Tuesday, the CM announced that the state govt had initiated a comprehensive research project to study the roots of the Khasi-Jaintia and Garo tribes. “We have set up two committees — one to study the Khasi-Jaintia and another to explore the roots of the Garo tribe,” he said.The research project will involve DNA mapping, linguistic and cultural studies, and collaboration with researchers to document various aspects of the tribes.“We will formally launch this research program in May,” Sangma said, adding that discussions are underway with national and international institutes to conduct an in-depth analysis of the origins of the indigenous tribes.
