Shillong: In a significant move to recognise indigenous languages, the Government of Meghalaya has granted official language status to Khasi and Garo alongside English.

The development follows the promulgation of the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026, which received assent from Governor C. H. Vijayashankar. The ordinance was published in the Extraordinary Gazette of Meghalaya on April 27.

As per the new law, English, Khasi and Garo will now be used for all or any official purposes of the state government. However, English will continue to remain the language for all civil and criminal court proceedings.

Proceedings in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly will also continue as per the existing provisions.

The decision is being seen as a major step toward preserving and promoting the state’s indigenous languages while maintaining administrative continuity.