Meghalaya Approves Khasi and Garo as Official Languages

The Meghalaya Cabinet has approved Khasi and Garo, the indigenous languages of the state, as official languages in addition to English.

Describing this decision as "historic", Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced that the state cabinet has approved the 'Meghalaya Official Language Ordinance, 2026'.

This step has been taken amid the long-standing demand to include Khasi and Garo languages, which are the languages of the two largest tribes of the state, in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Currently, all official work in the state is carried out in the English language.

"With this historic decision, Khasi and Garo languages can now also be used in official communication and correspondence."

"At the appropriate time, necessary amendments will also be made in the relevant laws, including the Meghalaya State Legislature (Continuation of English Language) Act, 1980.

This will also pave the way for the use of Khasi and Garo languages in various examinations. Sangma further said that these changes will not happen immediately, but will be implemented only after the necessary framework is prepared to gradually adopt these languages.

Meghalaya State

Meghalaya celebrates its Statehood Day on 21 January. On this day in 1972, it became a full-fledged state under the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.

It was first formed as an autonomous state within Assam under the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1969.

Later, through the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971, Meghalaya was granted full statehood in 1972, making it the 21st state of India, and the entire state is governed through autonomous district councils under the Sixth Schedule.

Meghalaya, known as the "Abode of Clouds", is a hilly state in northeastern India. The capital of this state is Shillong, which is also called the 'Scotland of the East'.

The capital Shillong is situated at an altitude of 1496 meters above sea level. Shillong was made the capital of Assam in 1874 and remained the capital until January 1972 after the formation of Meghalaya.

It is famous for its heavy rainfall, dense forests and unique living root bridges. It is approximately 300 kilometers long and about 100 kilometers wide.

Meghalaya is surrounded by Assam in the north and east and Bangladesh in the south and west. Mawsynram and Cherrapunji here are among the places with the highest rainfall in the world.

The society here is matrilineal, where the youngest daughter inherits the family property.