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Meghalaya grants official status to Khasi, Garo

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Shillong
  • Apr 16, 2026
  • 631

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday announced that the state Cabinet has approved an ordinance granting official language status to Khasi and Garo, in addition to English.

The Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026 will replace the existing Meghalaya State Language Act, 2005, enabling the use of Khasi and Garo in official government communication. The move is seen as a significant step toward the promotion and preservation of indigenous languages in the state.

Sangma said the government will also introduce necessary amendments to related laws, including the Meghalaya State Legislature (Continuance of English Language) Act, 1980, to facilitate the use of Khasi and Garo in legislative proceedings.

“Once these amendments are implemented, legislators will be able to speak and participate in Assembly debates in Khasi and Garo, alongside English,” he said.

The Chief Minister added that the decision would gradually allow the introduction of these languages in state-level examinations, though full implementation will take time as administrative frameworks need to be developed.

The move aligns with a resolution passed by the Assembly seeking inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Sangma noted that granting official status at the state level would strengthen the case for their recognition at the national level.

Waste Management Agency Approved for Greater Shillong

In another key decision, the Cabinet approved the creation of the Greater Shillong Waste Management Agency, which will be registered as a society to streamline waste management across the city.

With Shillong experiencing rapid urban growth, waste collection is currently handled by multiple agencies, leading to coordination gaps and inefficiencies.

The new agency aims to centralise and improve waste management systems across the Greater Shillong Planning Area, which spans approximately 288.5 square kilometres.

Sangma said the decision follows extensive consultations and addresses the growing need for efficient garbage collection and urban waste management in line with the city’s expanding population.