Raphael Warjri

The Khasi Authors’ Society (KAS) has raised concerns over certain provisions of the Meghalaya State Official Language Ordinance, despite it receiving the Governor’s assent, and has called for necessary refinements before it is placed before the Legislative Assembly.

Speaking at a press conference, KAS President Dr D. R. L. Nonglait stated that a thorough internal review revealed gaps in the ordinance that could hinder the effective implementation of Khasi as a full-fledged official language.

He pointed out that restricting the mandatory use of Khasi to district and sub-divisional levels was insufficient, and stressed the need to extend its usage to state-level communications, including interactions with directorates and heads of departments, to ensure accessibility and linguistic equity.

The Society also emphasised the need for a phased roadmap to introduce Khasi as a medium of instruction and examination across all levels of education, including its integration into competitive and professional examinations.

Urging timely intervention, KAS appealed to legislators, particularly from Khasi and Jaintia Hills, to support amendments in consultation with linguistic and academic experts before the ordinance is enacted.

The Society further called for the revival of training programmes aimed at equipping non-Khasi senior officials with language skills, while also encouraging the use of Khasi in Assembly proceedings.

The Khasi Authoe's Society expressed hope that these measures would strengthen the language’s role in governance and education, and facilitate its inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.