Shillong, August 27: The Khasi Hills A’chik Joint Action Committee (KHAJAC) has urged the Meghalaya Government to review the language requirements for District Selection Committee (DSC) recruitment and provide candidates with the option to take examinations in the Garo language in Khasi Hills.

KHAJAC representative Manuel Ch. Marak met Meghalaya Governor at Lok Bhavan on Thursday to submit the organisation’s concerns regarding the existing language requirements.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Marak said the present policy requires candidates to know Garo for recruitment in Garo Hills and Khasi for recruitment in Khasi Hills.

The committee has sought reconsideration of the arrangement, particularly over its impact on Garo-speaking candidates seeking government employment in Khasi Hills.

Demand Follows Recognition of Khasi and Garo as Official Languages

The demand comes against the backdrop of the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026, which recognised Khasi and Garo as official languages alongside English and replaced the Meghalaya State Language Act, 2005.

The ordinance provides for the use of the three languages for official purposes from a date to be notified by the Government.

English continues to be used in civil and criminal courts, while proceedings of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly remain governed by existing legislation concerning the continued use of English.

KHAJAC said its appeal for greater language choice in district-level recruitment follows the recognition of both Khasi and Garo as official languages of Meghalaya, and called for the recruitment rules to be reviewed accordingly.