Meghalaya declares Khasi and Garo as Official languages alongside English

New Delhi, Apr 28, 2026 : The Meghalaya Official Language Ordinance, 2026 has received the assent of Governor Chandrashekhar H. Vijayashankar, making Khasi and Garo the official languages of the state, alongside English. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced this development through a social media post.

The Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026 was published in the Extraordinary Gazette of Meghalaya. The Ordinance was promulgated under Article 213(1) of the Constitution of India, as the State Legislative Assembly was not in session. The notification stated that the Governor was satisfied that circumstances existed which required immediate action.

As per the provisions of the Ordinance, English, Khasi, and Garo will be used as official languages for all or any official purposes of the State, from a date to be notified by the government.

The notification also stated that English will continue to be retained in all civil and criminal courts in Meghalaya. Legislative business will also continue under existing law, provided that proceedings in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly shall be transacted as per the provisions of the Meghalaya State Legislature (Continuance of the English Language) Act, 1980.

With the promulgation of the new Ordinance, the Meghalaya State Language Act, 2005 has been repealed.