Ordinance notified on April 27 allows region-specific language use while retaining English in courts and Assembly proceedings
Shillong: The Meghalaya government has formally recognised Khasi and Garo as official languages alongside English through the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026. The ordinance received Governor C. H. Vijayashankar’s assent and was published in the Extraordinary Gazette on April 27.
With this, “English, Khasi and Garo shall be the official languages to be used for all or any official purposes of the State.” However, the government has clarified that English will continue to be used in civil and criminal courts, as well as for proceedings in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly under existing provisions.
Importantly, the law introduces flexibility in implementation. It authorises the state to notify the use of specific languages across administrative levels and regions. Accordingly, offices in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills will function in English and Khasi, while those in the Garo Hills will use English and Garo. “English will continue for inter-district communication,” the notification states.
Reacting to the development, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said the move would “further strengthen our aspirations” to secure inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
The ordinance was promulgated as the Assembly was not in session, with the Governor noting the need for “immediate action.” It also safeguards linguistic rights in education, stating that it will not affect the medium of instruction as guaranteed by the Constitution.
Notably, the new law repeals the Meghalaya State Language Act, 2005, while protecting past actions taken under it. The move is widely seen as a step towards preserving indigenous languages and strengthening their case for inclusion in the Eighth Schedule.
Also Read: Assam HS Result 2026: 81.54% Pass: Science Leads With 89.79%
