Shillong, April 27: The Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026 has received the assent of Governor C.H. Vijayashankar, officially making Khasi and Garo the state’s official languages alongside English.
The ordinance, published in the Extraordinary Gazette of Meghalaya on April 27, provides for the use of Khasi and Garo for official purposes of the state, marking a major step towards promoting indigenous languages. English will, however, continue to be used in civil and criminal courts and for inter-district communication.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma welcomed the development, stating that the decision reflects long-standing aspirations of the people and strengthens the push for inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
The ordinance also empowers the state government to notify the use of these languages at various administrative levels, including district and sub-divisional offices, depending on regional requirements.
Officials said the move is expected to boost linguistic identity, improve accessibility in governance, and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Meghalaya’s indigenous communities.
