Shillong : In a landmark move, the Meghalaya Cabinet on Thursday approved the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026, paving the way for Khasi and Garo to be recognised as official languages of the state alongside English.
Announcing the decision, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described it as “historic,” saying it would significantly impact governance, promote indigenous languages, and create new opportunities for the youth.
Under the new ordinance, the earlier Meghalaya State Language Act, 2005, will be repealed. The move will allow the use of Khasi and Garo in government communications and, in due course, in legislative proceedings. Necessary amendments to existing laws, including the Meghalaya State Legislature (Continuance of English Language) Act, 1980, will be introduced to enable members to speak and debate in Khasi and Garo during Assembly sessions.
The Chief Minister said the decision would also open the door for conducting examinations in Khasi and Garo, although full implementation will take time due to logistical requirements such as manpower, infrastructure, and rule-making.
He added that the decision aligns with the state’s push for inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. “If we are demanding recognition at the national level, it is important that we first strengthen the status of our languages within the state,” he said.
Sangma further informed that arrangements such as translators in the Assembly will be required, and discussions with the Speaker are underway. He noted that the Speaker has expressed support for introducing the system in the new Assembly, calling it a “historic beginning” for the state.
The Cabinet also approved a minor amendment to the Meghalaya Real Estate Regulation and Development General Rules, 2020, to bring uniformity in the remuneration of the chairman and members of the authority. The revised provision aligns their pay with other government bodies, setting it as the last pay drawn minus pension instead of a fixed amount.
In another key decision, the Cabinet cleared the setting up of the Greater Shillong Waste Management Agency, which will be registered as a society to improve waste collection and management across the expanding urban area.
The Chief Minister said rapid urbanisation in Shillong has led to fragmented waste management, with different authorities such as municipal bodies, cantonment boards, and district councils operating within their own jurisdictions. The new agency aims to improve coordination and efficiency across these regions.
Covering an area of approximately 288.5 sq km, the agency will function as a service-oriented body. Importantly, its services will not be mandatory; localities can choose to opt in based on their needs.
Consultations have already been held with multiple localities and stakeholders, with the majority expressing support. Clarifications have also been provided to district councils regarding their role and involvement.
Sangma emphasised that while some financial and manpower requirements will arise—particularly for language implementation—the long-term cultural and social benefits outweigh the costs.
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On the timeline for inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule, the Chief Minister said the decision rests with the Government of India and Parliament. He added that the state will continue to push the matter at the national level.
Highlighting the broader vision, Sangma noted that the government has already introduced measures to teach Khasi and Garo in schools and promote proficiency in local languages in examinations. “Taken together, these decisions reflect a larger effort to preserve, promote and mainstream our indigenous languages for future generations,” he said.
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