SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday held a meeting with the Khasi Authors Society to apprise its members of the Cabinet’s landmark decision to include Khasi and Garo as official languages of the state alongside English.
During the interaction, the Chief Minister shared details of the Cabinet approval and reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting indigenous languages across administrative, legislative, and educational domains.
He noted that while the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly had earlier passed a resolution seeking inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, it was equally important to send a strong message—both to the people of the state and the Union Government—about the significance of elevating local languages at the state level.
“For many years, there has been a demand from the people to include Khasi and Garo as official languages of the state, and I am happy to share that the Cabinet has taken this decision today,” Sangma said.
Describing the move as a major step forward, the Chief Minister acknowledged that the full implementation of the policy—including its integration into government communication, official procedures, and competitive examinations—will take time. However, he stressed that the decision has laid a strong foundation for the systematic adoption of these languages.
He also indicated that legislators are expected to be able to speak and participate in debates in Khasi and Garo in the upcoming Assembly sessions, expressing hope that such proceedings could take place in the new Assembly building.
Sangma further sought the support of the Khasi Authors Society in framing the necessary rules for effective implementation. “We need your support to ensure that the decision is carried out in the right spirit and has the intended impact,” he said.
He emphasised that the move would significantly strengthen Meghalaya’s case for the inclusion of Khasi and Garo in the Eighth Schedule.
In his concluding remarks, the Chief Minister acknowledged the pivotal role played by literary organisations, including the Khasi Authors Society and the Achik Literature Society, in advocating for the recognition of these languages.
“Their relentless efforts have been instrumental in achieving this milestone, and we look forward to their continued support as we move ahead,” he added.
Also present at the meeting were Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar.
