Shillong, May 24: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has welcomed the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Scheme of Studies, describing the move as a major milestone for the state and its indigenous communities.
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| Meghalaya CM Conrad A Sangma. (File Photo) |
The two languages have now been formally included in the CBSE’s revised three-language framework (R1-R2-R3), allowing affiliated schools to offer Khasi and Garo as optional third-language subjects from the 2026-27 academic session.
The updated language list uploaded on the CBSE OASIS portal places Khasi and Garo at serial numbers 46 and 47 respectively under the revised framework being implemented in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).
Expressing gratitude to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Chief Minister said the inclusion followed swift intervention by the Centre after concerns were raised over the initial omission of the two languages from the recognised subject framework.
“On behalf of the people of Meghalaya, I express heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Ji for his swift intervention in enabling the inclusion of Khasi and Garo languages in the CBSE R3 framework,” Sangma stated.
He said the decision would benefit students, ease challenges faced by schools, support language teachers and strengthen the preservation of Meghalaya’s rich linguistic heritage.
Calling it more than just an academic milestone, Sangma said the development reflects a shared commitment toward building an inclusive education system that respects and promotes indigenous linguistic identities and cultures.
The Meghalaya government had earlier taken up the matter with CBSE authorities through formal communication and discussions after concerns emerged regarding the exclusion of Khasi and Garo under the revised language policy.
With the revision now reflected in the official CBSE portal, more than 100 CBSE-affiliated schools across Meghalaya are expected to become eligible to offer Khasi or Garo within the approved language basket.
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CBSE has also directed affiliated schools to update relevant details on the OASIS portal as part of the implementation process of the new policy framework.
The inclusion is expected to provide wider institutional and academic recognition to Khasi and Garo languages within the national school education system while also strengthening efforts to promote mother-tongue learning among younger generations in Meghalaya.
The move is being widely viewed in the state as an important academic and cultural recognition of Meghalaya’s native languages within India’s mainstream education structure.
